In order to promote marine conservation, the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters), with the assistance of the Lanyu Township Office, officially inaugurated the “Lanyu Marine Cultural and Resource Conservation Promotion Center” today (August 15). The unveiling ceremony was jointly officiated by Director Yang Mo-lin of the Headquarters and Township Mayor Chiang Tuo-li of Lanyu. Also attending the ceremony were Township Representatives Huang Bi-mei, Chang Chin-shang, Chou Chiu-chin, and Hsieh Hu-yuan; Secretary Huang Hsien-chih of the Representatives’ Assembly; and Hongtou Village Chief Hsieh A-sheng. Representatives from local community development associations, NGOs, and the fire brigade were also present.

　　The Lanyu Township Office has been actively promoting the preservation and education of Lanyu’s marine culture, which aligns closely with the Headquarters’ mission to advance marine culture and resource conservation. Among Taiwan’s diverse cultures, few possess such a distinctive maritime identity as Lanyu. To ensure the continuity of the traditional plank boat (tatala) culture, the Headquarters has organized multiple local capacity-building programs in Lanyu, including dive guide training and ecological interpretation workshops. With the cooperation of the Township Office, an unused space next to the local fire brigade has been repurposed as a venue for deepening understanding of local marine culture and sustainable ecology, as well as for direct face-to-face dialogue with residents. The Center aims to promote marine conservation concepts and the preservation of Lanyu’s marine culture through lectures, talent development programs, and educational outreach. Personnel will also be stationed on-site long term to conduct community interviews, ensuring that future activities are better aligned with local needs.

　　During the ceremony, Director Yang expressed his hope that Lanyu’s marine culture could be passed down from generation to generation, made known to the world and to people across Taiwan, and that a communication platform with local communities would be established to jointly protect marine resources. Mayor Chiang likewise expressed his hope that the Headquarters would assist Lanyu in strengthening ecological conservation, enhancing sustainable tourism, and promoting awareness of Lanyu’s beautiful and abundant ecological resources. After the unveiling, Chief of Interpretation Hsu Shu-kuo led attendees on a tour of the Promotion Center. A tea reception was subsequently held at the Lanyu Township Visitor Center, where the Headquarters presented commemorative rowing photographs from the documentary “Across the Kuroshio: Visiting Taiwan.” Vessel owner and Secretary Huang Cheng-te remarked that many people contributed to the success of the event, especially the work team and the warriors. Although the event concluded successfully, the spirit of the “Si Mangavang” will continue, as there are still many visions to pursue. Elder Huang Tu-hun expressed gratitude for the opportunity for young people to learn traditional boat-building skills, allowing cultural heritage to be passed on. Younger participants also expressed appreciation for the chance to create history under the guidance of their elders. The tea reception concluded with a session to gather local residents’ suggestions regarding marine resource conservation efforts.

　　It is hoped that the establishment of the “Lanyu Marine Cultural and Resource Conservation Promotion Center” will further strengthen marine conservation efforts and enable collective action toward the sustainable preservation and protection of Lanyu’s marine culture—working together to safeguard the beauty of Lanyu.