The second 2013 Dongsha Marine Safety and National Park Ecological Experience Camp ended successfully on July 19th (from July 16th to 19th). Both camps of this event, including the first camp that ran from April 26th to 29th, were affected by bad weather caused by a front or a typhoon. Participants experienced an adventure on the sea of Dongsha Atoll National Park and brought home precious memories of this unique expedition.

The first camp was launched in April. The participants explored the ecology, floral, and fauna of the inter-tidal zones in Dongsha Atoll National Park, and lucky enough, they were just in time for coral spawning. Therefore, participants of the first camp joined the national park researchers in the tasks of monitoring the development of coral’s reproductive glands. The second camp was launched in July, the summer weather was hot and humid. Most of the life on the isle has gone into the peak season of activities. Therefore, participants of the summer camp were treated to a feast of bioactivities, including the adorable hermit crabs at nighttime and the proud fiddler crabs waving their giant claws in the inner lagoon. They brought home memorable experiences with the wonders of nature from this pure, uncontaminated land.

Participants of the 2013 Dongsha Camp were also introduced to the conservation work at the national parks. They participated in tree planting and coral planting activities, taking part to make sustainable ecological development possible. The participants also expressed serious concerns over the floating waste. They learned that floating trash in the ocean affected not just the beaches near home but also the remote shores of the Dongsha Atoll. The beach cleaning activity awakened the participants’ heart for environmental protection. They left the camp asking themselves what they can do for the environment, searching for the true meaning of environmental protection.