The local law, called Provisions on the Administration of Protection and Utilization of Uninhabited Islands of Xiamen City, comes into force on Jan. 1, 2003.

Xiamen has 13 isles each covering 500 square meters or more, with no permanent residents, and 58 reefs, which serve as a natural defense for the coastal city.

The isles and reefs, though with abundant natural resources and beautiful scenery, lacked a unified administrative plan. Random human activities and commercial use of these isles and reefs have damaged their natural resources.

Under the new law, all the isles and reefs will be brought under a unified administration and their development must follow general regulations.

The law bans any projects and activities that may harm the environment and resources, such as quarrying, digging sand, cultivating land, farming animals, and building houses.

It orders a ban on all kinds of illegal activities and the dismantling of illegal buildings.

(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2002)