Exhibition Period: February 25, 2012 – October 14, 2012

Exhibition Venue: National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, Coral Kingdom Pavilion – Exit Corridor Area

　　To introduce the public to Dongsha Atoll National Park, the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) will host a special exhibition titled “The Ring of the South China Sea – Dongsha Atoll National Park Special Exhibition” at the exit corridor area of the Coral Kingdom Pavilion in the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium in Pingtung. The exhibition will run from February 25 to October 14, 2012. The display will highlight the distinctive natural resources and conservation achievements of Dongsha Atoll National Park through six major themes: “A Treasure of the South China Sea,” “Heart of the Atoll,” “Island Scenery of Dongsha,” “Hypotheses on the Formation of Dongsha Atoll,” “Ocean Treasures,” and “Sustainable Dongsha.” Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to explore Dongsha and discover the beauty of this remarkable ring in the South China Sea.

　　Dongsha Atoll National Park is Taiwan’s first marine-type national park dedicated primarily to the protection of marine ecological resources. It features the country’s only fully developed large atoll landscape and is regarded as a “world-class natural heritage” site. The coral reef ecosystem—often referred to as the “tropical rainforest of the sea”—supports an exceptionally rich diversity of marine life. In 1998, a severe global El Niño event caused mass coral bleaching and mortality worldwide, leading to significant damage to the atoll ecosystem. To protect the precious natural marine resources of Dongsha Atoll, the Executive Yuan approved the “Dongsha Atoll National Park Plan” in 2007 and established the Marine National Park Headquarters to oversee its management. This special exhibition aims to showcase the beauty of Dongsha and promote marine conservation awareness, ultimately realizing the vision of a sustainable ocean.

　　A highlight of the exhibition is a 3D animation simulating the formation process of Dongsha Atoll, along with interactive learning activities that allow visitors to test their understanding of atoll formation. Members of the public interested in learning more about Dongsha Atoll National Park are warmly invited to visit the Coral Kingdom Pavilion exit corridor at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium (Address: No. 2, Houwan Road, Houwan Village, Checheng Township, Pingtung County; Tel: 08-8825001).
 

A vibrant coral reef ecosystem