Taiwan
Sand Origin
Yuguang Island Beach Taiwan is not yet a member of the United Nations. Some recognize it as a sovereign country, others do not. Regardless, OUAW wants to salute and connect with the people, ideas, and places of Taiwan too!
Random Sand Fact
Off Taiwan, the coast guard patrols for vessels sucking sand from the seabed.
Around the islands of Matsu and Kinmen, Chinese vessels have repeatedly crossed the boundary to remove large amounts of sand for construction.
At the peak, Taiwan drove away nearly 4,000 such vessels in a single year.
Removing the sand reshapes the seabed, leaves deep pits and has, in some places, exposed communication cables that were once buried beneath it.
After tougher laws and stronger enforcement, the incursions have fallen sharply.
