Rising sea temperatures around the Xisha Islands in south China\u0019s Hainan Province have signaled the start of peak breeding season for green turtles. Last week, conservation teams on Yongxing Island spotted two brand-new nesting sites\u0014the first such discovery in recent years.
Green turtles are classified as first-class protected animals in China. Of the seven extant sea turtle species worldwide, five swim in Chinese waters, and the Xisha Islands host the nation\u0019s largest nesting grounds for this iconic species.
According to monitoring by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of July 6, 81 sea turtle nests have been recorded in surveyed areas around the Xisha waters\u0014an increase of 30 nests compared to the same period last year.
The inaugural nesting events on Yongxing and Zhaoshu islands also hint at healthier coral reefs and expanding turtle habitats. "These sightings underscore the positive impact of ongoing reef restoration and marine protection programs," says a Sansha City reef technician.
For young travelers and digital nomads seeking immersive eco-experiences, the Xisha Islands now offer a front-row seat to nature\u0019s resilience. Business and tech innovators can draw lessons from the data-driven conservation strategies driving this turnaround, while thought leaders see a blueprint for sustainable marine policies worldwide.
As global discussions on climate and biodiversity intensify, the green turtle\u0019s return to the Xisha Islands reminds us that targeted action can rewrite conservation narratives\u0014one nest at a time.
Reference(s):
Green turtles back home to nest as Xisha Islands environment improves
cgtn.com
