On May 15, 2015 (Friday), the Marine National Park Headquarters (MNPH) held a conservation research成果 presentation at the Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park Visitor Center, featuring three keynote lectures. Topics included the use of remote sensing imagery to monitor the distribution and changes of coral and seagrass habitats in Dongsha Atoll, the current distribution status of large marine algae resources in Dongsha, and the stone-walled agricultural “vegetable house” landscapes of Penghu South Four Islands and their revitalization and utilization. Through expert presentations and videos documenting field investigations, the event vividly showcased the fruitful conservation research achievements accomplished by MNPH over the past year.

At the conservation presentation, keynote speeches and research papers were delivered, sharing valuable findings with the public

　　Deputy Director Lu Chih-kuang of MNPH stated that Dongsha Atoll National Park and Penghu South Four Islands National Park are both located at considerable distances from Taiwan’s main island. Although transportation is not convenient, this remoteness has helped preserve their valuable natural resources and landscapes. The research results on habitat analysis of Dongsha Atoll and the distribution of large marine algae using satellite imagery contribute to a better understanding of overall habitat and environmental changes. A field guide based on the algae research findings is also planned for publication to promote marine science knowledge related to Dongsha. In Penghu South Four Islands, the vegetable house landscape—developed in harmony with natural conditions—is one of the park’s key cultural and conservation features. Understanding its functions and distribution will serve as an important reference for future revitalization and utilization planning.

Deputy Director Lu Chih-kuang responding to public questions regarding the management of Penghu South Four Islands and green energy development

　　Invited speakers included Dr. Kao Hung-ming from National Central University, Professor Wang Wei-lung from National Changhua University of Education, and Assistant Professor Yang Po-yuan from the Graduate Institute of Architecture and Interior Design at Shu-Te University. Attendees included volunteers from various organizations and elementary and secondary school teachers. Interaction between speakers and participants was lively. During the event, MNPH also distributed copies of a new book published in 2014, hoping to provide the public with more knowledge related to the ocean.
　　

Dr. Kao Hung-ming explaining how satellite imagery is used for habitat analysis of Dongsha Atoll

　　To enhance the scope of environmental monitoring in Dongsha Atoll, MNPH began regularly evaluating habitat conditions using Formosat-2 satellite imagery in 2015. In addition, resource surveys of Dongsha’s flora and migratory birds, as well as surveys of flora, marine, and intertidal ecological resources in Penghu South Four Islands, are currently underway. The related成果 will be presented to the public in 2016. Through showcasing the outcomes of conservation research in marine national parks, MNPH hopes to gradually cultivate and strengthen marine awareness among the public, ensuring that marine environmental resources are appropriately protected and move toward a vision of sustainable development.

At this conservation research presentation, MNPH offered publications at a 40% discount, receiving enthusiastic public response