Resilient vitality of emerged and submerged features in the Spratly archipelago

Len Dao is a low-tide elevation that belongs to the Sinh Ton (Sin Cowe) island in Vietnam’s Spratly Archipelago. It is built upon a coral foundation located below sea level. Weather conditions here are extremely harsh, especially during the hot dry season, which lasts from around February to May each year.

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In such harsh conditions, with high salinity in the air, the green of plants and vegetable gardens becomes a powerful symbol of vitality on submerged islands like Len Dao. It also represents the unwavering determination of the island’s soldiers to endure and thrive.

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A blooming flower branch by the window at Len Dao, standing resilient amid the sun and wind of the open sea.

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Lush vegetable gardens are a source of pride for the naval soldiers stationed on Len Dao. Generations of officers and soldiers here have applied various special techniques to boost crop productivity despite facing harsh weather conditions.

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These gardens also help ensure food supplies and improve the daily meals of the officers and soldiers on the island.

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Located about 7 nautical miles west of Len Dao, Co Lin, another low-tide elevation, is not only home to green vegetables but also to the square-fruit barringtonia tree, a plant typical of the Spratly Archipelago. The tree is carefully tended by navy soldiers to help it thrive in the marine environment.

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The square-fruit barringtonia on Co Lin bears the marks of the struggle between its vibrant life force and the harshness of nature. Its fresh green leaves grow proudly alongside sun-scorched ones.

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Soldiers stationed on low-tide elevations like Len Dao and Co Lin not only vigilantly defend the nation’s maritime borders but also continually overcome the challenges of nature.

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Situated about 8 nautical miles southwest of Co Lin and about 6.5 nautical miles northeast of Len Dao, the naturally formed island of Sinh Ton is the centrr of the Sinh Ton cluster in the Spratly Archipelago.

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Compared to low-tide elevations, the vitality and remarkable development of naturally formed islands like Sinh Ton are evident in the green tree-lined paths, the lighthouse, and the wind power systems.

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After 50 years of development, Sinh Ton Island has transformed from an arid and under-resourced place into one of the Spratly Islands with resident households, a school, and a temple.