BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China put facilities related to ecological protection and restoration into service on three reefs of the Nansha Islands on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The facilities on Yongshu, Zhubi and Meiji reefs will be mainly used for the protection and restoration of coral reefs, which are key to the ecological security of the Nansha Islands and the whole South China Sea region, the ministry said.

They will lead to better understanding of the coral reef ecosystem of the Nansha Islands and tailored conservation and rehabilitation measures, it also said.

On Oct. 31, the ministry launched marine observation stations on the three reefs, which are now offering regular information services including marine forecasts and disaster warnings to the international community and passing ships.