Each time a typhoon sweeps through Taitung’s coastline, it leaves behind a significant amount of driftwood. Once regarded as marine waste, these wooden leftovers are now transformed into valuable resources that drive the circular economy. After Typhoon Chanthu in 2021, and following an evaluation by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency and the Taitung Forest District Office, the public was permitted to collect driftwood from designated river mouths and coastlines.
Many of these pieces are long, with minimal surface damage, and structurally intact, making them ideal materials for craftsmanship. The Taitung County Environmental Education Center (TCEEC) has also been showcasing the sustainable value of driftwood through exhibitions and other initiatives.
(Photo credit: Field Herdsman)
In the heart of Taitung City, a group of visionary artisans is breathing new life into the driftwood. The Field Herdsman Workshop has partnered with The Kids’ Bookhouse to launch the Youth Woodwork Training Program, providing local youth from underprivileged backgrounds with woodworking skills and new life directions. One of the most iconic creations from this initiative is the Black Doll Puppet Series, which serves as an entry-level project for participants. By assembling and shaping discarded wood fragments, young artisans create personal representations of themselves, building self-confidence in the process.
(Photo credit: Field Herdsman)
Traveling further down the East Coast, the creative energy surrounding driftwood continues to flourish. In 2023, the TCEEC Sustainable Ark hosted the Local and Reclaimed Wood Exhibition, featuring over 50 handcrafted wooden artworks—from intricate chairs and tables to elegant cypress cabinets.
Each piece tells a story of driftwood’s rebirth. Within just four months, the exhibition attracted nearly 80 schools and organizations, drawing over 4,000 visitors and demonstrating the immense potential of sustainable creativity.
In Dulan Village, Amis artist Talaluki (Fan Chih-Ming) has infused driftwood art with deep cultural heritage. He is the inventor of the Paw Paw Drum, which incorporates discarded fishing net buoys into its design. Additionally, he repurposed driftwood from Typhoon Morakot over a decade ago to craft a multi-functional instrument that combines elements of an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and electro-acoustic guitar. This masterpiece was later presented as a diplomatic gift, showcasing Taiwan’s artisan craftsmanship on the international stage. His works not only highlight innovative applications of driftwood but also reflect Taitung’s commitment to sustainability. The Taitung County Government will continue to support such creative endeavors, ensuring that the artistic value of driftwood is preserved for future generations.
