The Southern Four Islands of Penghu possess rich marine and terrestrial biological resources, unique volcanic basalt landforms, as well as traditional architecture, settlements, and historical culture distinctive to Penghu. The Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) has assessed that the area meets the qualifications for designation as a national park. In order to promote the establishment of the “Southern Four Islands Marine National Park” and to incorporate local public opinions, the Headquarters held four public briefing sessions from March 19 to 23 in Kaohsiung, Tainan, Magong, and Wangan. Approximately 310 participants attended, including Legislator Lin Tai-hua; Director Cheng Ming-yuan of the Penghu County Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau; President Hsiao Chuan-yuan of National Penghu University of Science and Technology; Chairman Lin Wan-fa of the Taichung Penghu Association; Vice Chairman Hung Ming-wen and Secretary-General Hsu Wen-hsing of the Taiwan Penghu Association; Penghu County Councilor Yeh Ming; Wangan Township Representatives Association Chairman Hsieh Nan-chin and Vice Chairman Lu Fu-ken; Wangan Township Mayor Yeh Chung-ju; Dongyuping Village Chief Lu Chung-su; Xiyuping Village Chief Chen A-an; and Dongji Village Chief Hsu Shun-lung. Participants expressed strong expectations and aspirations for the establishment of the national park, while emphasizing the importance of comprehensive supporting measures and safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of local residents and fishermen. The briefing sessions concluded successfully.
The Headquarters noted that when the Executive Yuan approved the Dongsha Atoll National Park Plan on December 19, 2006, it instructed the Headquarters to evaluate the possible establishment of additional island or marine-type national parks, including the Northern Three Islands, Green Island, and the Penghu archipelago, in order to achieve integrated management. In recent years, following resource surveys, planning for the Southern Four Islands of Penghu has been guided by the concepts of environmental sustainability and a “fishery resource bank.” Through the establishment of a marine national park, the goals are to protect marine and terrestrial ecological resources, promote ecotourism, and enhance the income of local residents and fishermen.
At the briefing sessions, most attendees expressed enthusiastic support and anticipation for the park’s establishment. Regarding fishermen’s rights, the Headquarters will collaborate with the Penghu County Government to formulate protection and utilization regulations that balance resource conservation with the preservation of traditional fisheries, and will continue to solicit opinions from local residents and fishermen. The aim is to achieve a three-win outcome: resource conservation, ecotourism development, and protection of local community interests.
Currently, the Ministry of the Interior has submitted the draft feasibility assessment plan for the Southern Four Islands Marine National Park to the Executive Yuan for review. The primary purpose of these briefing sessions was to gather local opinions as reference for drafting the national park plan. In the future, development will be positioned toward sustainable ecological islands, while fostering strong partnerships with local communities to create a shared and prosperous future.
March 19 Public Briefing Session in Kaohsiung – The Director of the Headquarters explains the proposal (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters).
Figure 2: March 20 Public Briefing Session in Tainan – Deputy Director Chen Kao-liang of the Penghu County Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau addresses participants (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters).
Figure 3: March 22 Public Briefing Session in Magong – President Hsiao Chuan-yuan of National Penghu University of Science and Technology expresses support (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters).
Figure 4: March 23 Public Briefing Session in Wangan – Chairman Hsieh Nan-chin of the Township Representatives Association in attendance (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters).
"Figure 5: Aerial view of Dongji Islet, Southern Four Islands of Penghu (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters).
Figure 6: Stone tower (view of Dongji Islet from Xiji Islet) (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters).