Annual Ecological Conservation Event Sparks Inspiring Exchanges
Building upon the eight major themes of the 6th World Parks Congress (World Park Congress)—achieving conservation goals, addressing climate change, enhancing health and well-being, supporting life, tackling the challenges of harmonizing development, improving the diversity and quality of governance, respecting Indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge and culture, and inspiring the next generation—as well as the two major development axes of Taiwan National Parks’ 2025 Vision Blueprint, this year’s (2017) National Park Conservation Achievements and Management Symposium focused on three key areas: domestic habitat maintenance and conservation, diversified management practices, and landscape and cultural preservation.
The symposium was hosted by the Marine National Park Headquarters, guided by the Construction and Planning Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, and co-organized by National Penghu University of Science and Technology. It was held from July 4 to 5, 2017, at South Penghu Marine National Park. This annual ecological conservation event brought together public sector representatives and academic experts in collaborative partnership. Through multi-party exchanges and dynamic interactions, the event aimed to spark inspiring ideas and explore the future possibilities for the flourishing development of national parks.
The 2017 National Park Conservation Achievements and Management Symposium was held
(Provided by Marine National Park Headquarters)
Experiencing a Harmonious Relationship with Nature
The two-day symposium was moderated respectively by Director Chang Wei-chuan of the National Park Division, Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior, and Director Hung Chi-yuan of the Marine National Park Headquarters. The event commenced with a professional and richly informative scientific keynote delivered by Director Sun Wei-hsin of the National Museum of Natural Science. Reflecting on the original purpose of establishing national parks, Article 1 of the National Park Act clearly states that national parks are designated to protect the nation’s unique natural landscapes, wildlife, and historic sites, while providing citizens with opportunities for recreation and research in an educational and enjoyable manner.
Well-preserved habitats are essential for ecological conservation in national parks. Through long-term monitoring and management, authorities track fluctuations in animal populations, such as the Taiwan macaques of Shoushan, the Blue-tailed Bee-eaters of Kinmen, and cormorants—serving as key indicator species for long-term observation. At the same time, conservation concepts are promoted to the public through educational outreach, helping people understand that the rise and fall of nature is closely connected to the lives of you and me.
Served as moderator for the morning session on July 5
(Provided by Marine National Park Headquarters)
Served as moderator for the afternoon session on July 5
(Provided by Marine National Park Headquarters)
Drawing on Shared Experiences to Realize the Goal of Sustainable National Park Development
Professor Yuan Hsiao-wei of the Department of Forestry, National Taiwan University, and Section Chief Wang Chien-chih of the Taijiang National Park Headquarters used poetic and literary language in their presentations, titled “The Messenger Who Keeps Promises—The Story of Terns” and “A National Park with Only One Bird Left?” respectively. Drawing upon abundant ecological knowledge and local cultural insights, they inspired participants to expand their imagination and reflect on related issues.
National parks are not only about nature; preserving the surrounding ecological, historical, and scenic landscapes, as well as passing down human history and cultural heritage, is equally important. On the day of the event, topics included the preservation and maintenance of the Batongguan Historic Trail in Yushan National Park, an overview of cultural resource implementation achievements in Taijiang, and investigations into the cultural and historical sites along Zhule Creek. Through multiple perspectives, participants contributed collectively to the preservation of historic sites.
The event concluded with a poster exhibition of research成果, featuring detailed charts supplemented by big data analysis. Participants exchanged research methodologies on site, bringing the intensive two-day agenda to a close. Through diverse and comprehensive presentations, research teams showcased the dedication and achievements of the past year, drawing on shared experiences with the hope of implementing these insights into future national park management strategies and embedding the concept of ecological sustainability deeply in the public consciousness through multi-faceted efforts.
Delivered the lecture “The Messenger Who Keeps Promises—The Story of Terns”
(Provided by Marine National Park Headquarters)
Delivered the lecture “Beyond Earth, Is There an Ocean in the Solar System?”
(Provided by Marine National Park Headquarters)
Delivered the lecture “Habitat Conservation and Ecosystem Management”
(Provided by Marine National Park Headquarters)