Rich in marine ecological resources, the “Penghu South Four Islands” feature magnificent and distinctive basalt geological landscapes, as well as traditional cultural and settlement scenery shaped by migration history. On the 18th, Minister of the Interior Chen Wei-zen presided over the park’s inauguration ceremony, symbolizing the official launch of on-site management operations for the national park. This milestone not only highlights Taiwan’s commitment to protecting and sustainably managing marine resources, but also demonstrates the nation’s determination to conserve marine ecosystems and promote marine environmental education.

　　Penghu South Four Islands National Park was officially designated as Taiwan’s ninth national park on June 8, 2014. Covering more than 35,000 hectares of land and sea areas, the park comprises Dongji Islet, Xiji Islet, Dongyuping Islet, Xiyuping Islet, nine additional islets and reefs, and the surrounding waters. The park will adopt a dual-core development strategy centered on the Dongji–Xiji Islets and the Dongyuping–Xiyuping Islets. In addition to the Visitor Center established on Dongji Islet, the “Yuping Visitor Center” has been constructed on Dongyuping Islet. Ecotourism activities are being designed to balance conservation with increased community benefits, guided by principles of reasonable management and sustainable use. The goal is to develop the park into a leading “Island of Culture and Ecology,” achieving a three-win outcome of “resource conservation,” “local rights and interests,” and “regional development,” thereby enhancing the overall environmental and socio-economic development of the South Four Islands.

　　The inauguration ceremony on the 18th was held at both the Dongji and Yuping Visitor Centers and was presided over by Minister Chen Wei-zen. In the presence of Penghu County Magistrate Wang Chien-fa, Legislator Chiu Wen-yen, local NGO representatives, and returning residents of the four islands, the park officially commenced operations in a simple yet solemn ceremony. In his remarks, Minister Chen noted that Taiwan, surrounded by the sea on all sides, is closely connected to the ocean. Internationally, the establishment of marine protected areas is widely recognized as one of the most effective means of safeguarding marine environments and conserving marine resources. With strong public expectations and the full support of the Penghu County Government and relevant agencies and organizations, Penghu South Four Islands National Park was officially established on June 8—World Oceans Day—marking Taiwan’s second marine national park and representing a significant step forward in the nation’s sustainable ocean governance.

　　The management of Penghu South Four Islands National Park emphasizes “resource conservation,” enriching biodiversity under the concept of a “gene bank” while establishing an “environmental education platform” as a primary objective. As facilities for dining, accommodation, and transportation on the islands are still under development, and weather conditions inherently limit island activities, short-term efforts will focus on conservation and the planning of environmentally friendly infrastructure. In the future, the park aims to provide visitors with more comprehensive interpretation and educational services, as well as higher-quality environmental experiences. Relevant transportation information and visitor guidelines are available on the official Penghu South Four Islands National Park website. Visitors are reminded to adopt conservation-minded travel practices to minimize environmental burdens and allow these pearl-like islands scattered across the Taiwan Strait to shine even more brilliantly.

Group photo at the unveiling ceremony of the Dongji Visitor Center (From left: Director Yang Mo-lin of MNPH, Research Fellow Cheng Ming-hsiu of Academia Sinica Biodiversity Research Center, Director-General Tseng Ta-jen of the Construction and Planning Agency, Magistrate Wang Chien-fa of Penghu County, Minister of the Interior Chen Wei-zen, Legislator Chiu Wen-yen, Commander Huang Ching-fu of the Seventh Special Police Corps, Commander Chao Yung-feng of the Seventh Coastal Patrol Corps, Dongji Village Chief Hsu Shun-lung)

Minister of the Interior Chen Wei-zen (left 3), Penghu County Magistrate Wang Chien-fa (right 3), and distinguished guests at the unveiling ceremony of the Yuping Visitor Center