Ives, Mike. "Asia's Fragile Caves Face New Risks from Development." Yale E360. N.p., 18 Dec. 2014. Web. <e360.yale.edu/features/asias_fragile_caves_face_new_risks_from_development>
1. I know that increased tourism and mining are detrimental to the environment, specifically those environments with very high biodiversity. In the APAC region, caves and forests are hurt by many anthropocentric activities.
2. I was unaware that increased tourism in Southeast Asia is boosting the construction industry and subsequently creating high demand for limestone. It makes sense that caves would be outfitted to support heavy traffic as scenic attractions, but when compounded with other forms of consumption we are seeing the "extinction of a number of species." Similarly, cave-dwelling plants and animals are sensitive to minor changes in their environment so deforestation and agriculture can have indirect negative effects on cave organisms.
3. This article ties in consumption with conservation. People tend to be unaware of the damage they can cause, especially in caves. For hundreds of millions of metric tons of limestone to be quarried each year in Southeast Asia there must be limited oversight.
4. I am surprised that an area with such high levels of biodiversity doesn't have more stringent regulations regarding cave exploitation. Considering the high need for limestone and other cave resources, it makes more sense for APAC countries to conserve and protect these caves. I definitely agree that "if people start caring about [caves], then that's the best protection of all."
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