In response to the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as MNPH) will hold a special lecture titled “Clean Ocean, My Home” on September 21 at Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park. The lecture aims to help the public understand the sources of marine debris and methods for conducting marine debris surveys, while promoting participation in beach cleanup activities. Members of the public who are interested in contributing to marine environmental cleanliness are warmly invited to attend.

　　The International Coastal Cleanup was initiated by the Ocean Conservancy in the United States. Its purpose is to encourage the removal of waste accumulated on beaches around the world. Through public participation in cleanup activities and the classification and statistical recording of collected debris, survey data can be analyzed to help people understand the root causes of marine pollution. This initiative promotes changes in behaviors that contribute to ocean pollution and fosters the development of long-term solutions.

　　Dongsha Atoll National Park is located in a critical habitat for species dispersal and population sustainability in the South China Sea. It is Taiwan’s first national park established specifically to protect marine ecosystems. However, marine pollution knows no borders. Waste generated by human activities on land and at sea is often transported by ocean currents and wind, polluting marine environments. To enhance public understanding of the International Coastal Cleanup and to promote marine debris classification and survey methods, MNPH hopes to encourage greater participation in cleanup efforts. At 10:00 a.m. on September 21, MNPH will host the lecture at the Multimedia Presentation Room of the Environmental Education Center in Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park. Ms. Lin Ai-lung, Marine Affairs Specialist from the Society of Wilderness, has been invited to deliver the lecture “Clean Ocean, My Home.” All are welcome to attend.

　　Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park is located at No. 24, Demin Road, Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City, opposite the Kaohsiung Motor Vehicles Office. Visitors may take the Kaohsiung MRT to R21 Metropolitan Park Station, transfer to the Red 58 shuttle bus, or walk approximately 10 minutes from Exit 4 to reach the venue. For more information about the lecture, please call 07-3601898 ext. 1879. (This lecture is eligible for 2 hours of civil servant lifelong learning credit.)

The pristine white coral sand beach of Dongsha Island	Beach cleanup activity conducted in 2012