The Ministry of Environment staged the 2025 ASEAN Regional Forum on Soil and Groundwater Challenges and Sustainable Remediation Strategies March 26 in Taipei City, spotlighting the government’s dedication to deepening environmental protection cooperation with Southeast Asian nations.
The conference drew government representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; academics from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam; local academic, government and industry representatives; and graduate students from home and abroad to jointly explore soil and groundwater issues in Taiwan and ASEAN member countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Liu Jui-hsiang, deputy director general of the MOENV’s Environmental Management Administration and executive secretary of the Soil and Groundwater Remediation Fund Management Board, noted that Taiwan launched air and water pollution and environmental waste management measures in the 1970s, and the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act was promulgated in 2000, adding that the collection of pollution remediation fees has effectively prevented contamination.
EMA Director General Yen Hsu-Ming said the country regularly hosts international workshops and technical seminars to share its comprehensive investigation and remediation experience. He anticipated that this year’s event would facilitate in-depth exchanges promoting sustainable development goals in the region.
Additionally, an investigation and remediation research competition was held alongside the forum. Among the 29 participating teams, 10 were selected to present their research results and five were awarded prizes.
According to the EMA, the competition aimed to stimulate innovation and advance the sustainable maintenance of soil and groundwater in the region. (POC-E)
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