Taitung County boasts the island’s longest shoreline, stretching 176 kilometers along the east coast. The vast, blue ocean is not only a vital natural asset but also a precious ecology. In recent years, to protect this beautiful blue, the Taitung government has enthusiastically participated in National Ocean Day, promoting a series of ocean conservation and beach cleanup initiatives. These efforts aim to raise public awareness about the importance of marine environments and encourage practical actions to safeguard Taitung’s marine ecology.
On June 7, 2024, the Taitung County Environmental Protection Bureau hosted the “Sustainable East Coast × Beach Cleanup Treasure Hunt” at Taitung Seashore Park, attracting around 300 participants. The event successfully removed 212 kilograms of beach waste, including 168 kilograms of general waste and 44 kilograms of recyclables. Looking back to the previous year, the Environmental Protection Bureau held two beach cleanup events at the Nantian Coastal Park in Daren Township and at Shanyuan Bay in 2023. These events blended local culture, starting at 5am with a blessing ceremony by local elders to show respect for nature. A total of 450 people participated, with live streaming connecting the north and south. Together, they collected 776.18 kilograms of beach waste.
When promoting marine conservation, the Taitung County Government emphasizes aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2020, the county responded to Greenpeace and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by signing on to SDG 14, “Life Below Water,” demonstrating a strong commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems. Additionally, the county strives to achieve SDG 17, “Partnerships for the Goals,” by fostering collaborations between government agencies and civil organizations to enhance Taitung’s capacity for marine conservation through mobilization and coordination.
To meet these goals, Taitung has implemented a series of concrete measures, including establishing a Clean Ocean Alliance, improving conservation zones, regularly organizing beach cleanups, strengthening the oil pollution emergency response system, promoting plastic reduction initiatives, and enhancing environmental education and advocacy.
In forming the Clean Ocean Alliance, Taitung integrated a 963-vessel environmental fleet, divers known as the Ocean Warriors, and marine patrol teams composed of citizens and community residents, creating a robust network for marine protection. Regular beach cleanup activities have also yielded significant results. For example, in the Green Island area, 13 beach and ocean cleanup events were held in 2022, collectively removing 460 kilograms of marine debris. These efforts have not only improved Taitung’s marine environment but also laid a foundation for achieving SDG 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
Looking ahead, Taitung will continue to deepen its marine conservation efforts. This includes ongoing beach and ocean cleanup activities, expanding the scope and frequency of participation, and enhancing marine environment monitoring to promptly identify and address pollution issues. The county also aims to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other cities and international organizations, sharing experiences and learning advanced practices. Additionally, Taitung will continuously update and improve its Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on sustainable development, tracking progress and formulating more targeted policies.
The Taitung County Government calls on everyone to help protect marine resources, emphasizing that it takes more than just government efforts. Each person can contribute by incorporating small actions into their daily lives. Sharing knowledge about marine conservation, bringing your own utensils and water bottles, using eco-friendly straws, and refusing to buy products made from endangered marine species are all vital steps in caring for Taitung’s ocean resources. Let’s work together to safeguard this beautiful “blue.”
