Located in the northern tip of the South China Sea and about 240 nautical miles (approx. 450km) from Kaohsiung, Dongsha Atoll is the paradise of a lot of marine life for its azure waters. Sea currents flowing across the South China Sea bring abundant nutrition for coral reefs to grow into a world-class atoll attraction after tens of thousands of years.

Looking down Dongsha Atoll at height, it is like a bejeweled ring, and the island is like a gemstone inlaid on a jade ring.

Opening address of CPA Section Chief De-shu Jan.

A land of mystery: The bejeweled ring on the South China Sea

Besides a transit station of migratory birds traveling back and forth the north and south, Dongsha Island is the migratory passage of large marine life. The eco- and environmental diversity of Dongsha makes it a treasure of marine species in the South China Sea and southern Taiwan. In 2007, the government officially planned Dongsha Atoll into Taiwan’s first marine national park to maintain this atoll habitat and the marine cultural assets it contains.

In order to help more citizens learn about and understand the rich natural resources in Dongsha Atoll National Park and the culture and history of Dongsha, Marine National Park Headquarters specifically made the documentary Bejeweled Ring in the South China Sea—Dongsha Atoll to take citizens to explore the unique beauty of Dongsha Atoll from sea, air, and land. While unveiling the mystery of Dongsha, Marine National Park Headquarters also hopes to appeal to the public the importance of marine ecology and resources in order to achieve the vision of sustainable ocean.

A documentary of aspiration: Reawaking the awareness of marine conservation

The documentary begins with special marine ecology: atolls, seagrasses, and lagoons for citizens to have a general idea of Dongsha. Then, the lens turns to the intertidal ecology and terrestrial sea-drift plants, insects, birds, etc. At the ending, the documentary shows the conservation and restoration achievements of the national park.

At the premiere of Bejeweled Ring in the South China Sea—Dongsha Atoll, Director Yu-ming Chang shared the challenges in filming with the public and expressed his gratitude to the Coast Guard Administration, Principal Investigator Professor Ker-yea Soong of the Dongsha Atoll Research Station, Professor Ming-Shiou Jeng, the major promoter of Dongsha Atoll National Park, for their assistance. According to Chang, without their support, he would not have had the opportunity to present the jewelry and vitality of Dongsha Atoll to the public through the camera.

Director Yu-ming Chang and Professor Ker-yea Soong answered the audience’s questions in heated interaction.

It is hoped that Bejeweled Ring in the South China Sea—Dongsha Atoll can attract more research and conservation resources for the care and preservation of this rarity in the world. The documentary is published in many languages to present our achievements in marine ecology conservation to the world and to increase the global visibility of Dongsha Atoll.

Guests after the premiere.

Guests attended the premiere.