Taiwan’s ties to the ocean run deep. From indigenous peoples, widely considered to have carried the Austronesian language across the Pacific, to container shipping companies, broadly recognized as integral to the survival of global supply chains, the country’s maritime credentials are impeccable.
The government places a premium on prioritizing the role of the ocean in deepening Taiwan’s global connections and promoting sustainable development. Related policies influenced by this consideration are characterized by a growing focus on realizing U.N. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.
SDG 14 aims to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.” Given the ocean is the foundation of global systems on which the survival of the planet and its inhabitants depend, no effort is being spared in Taiwan to carefully manage an essential global resource for future generations.
This all hands on deck approach is most visibly illustrated by the establishment of the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) in 2018. Over a decade in planning, the council now oversees the work of more than 20 central government organizations. Its success in efficiently implementing farsighted measures has come to the attention of like-minded partners worldwide. Other policymaking highlights include promulgation of the Ocean Basic Act in 2019; release of the “National Ocean Policy White Paper” in 2020; and announcement of the Salute to the Seas policy the same year.
But a progressive framework of rules and regulations alone are not enough to get the job done. Undertakings in marine conservation, education, technology and tourism complete the picture.
The OAC is at the vanguard of conservation initiatives. By coordinating collaboration among governmental and nongovernmental sectors, as well as environmental organizations and members of the public, the council is forging headway in promoting sustainable use of the ocean. This has delivered progress across an array of areas, including combating pollution in coastal waters, improving the health of fisheries and strengthening biodiversity and ecosystems.
Also shouldering an important share of the load is the Ministry of Education (MOE), local governments, nongovernmental organizations like Taipei City-based Taiwan Association for Marine Environmental Education (TAMEE) and communities countrywide. The MOE mandated the introduction marine studies into elementary and high school curriculums in 2008, while TAMEE runs round-Taiwan tours enabling participants to get up close and personal with the country’s shoreline. These steps are seen as integral in engineering a sea change in attitude among the youth toward the ocean and conservation efforts.
Marine technology is another area in which the commitment, dedication and hard work of the public, private and academic sectors is making a difference in ocean quality. Entrenched support for smart and R&D-based solutions to environmental challenges facing Taiwan’s wind power and fishing operators, for example, has set the table for mutually beneficial outcomes. They are also opening the door for the government to roll out targeted support for the development of innovative technologies with potential-laden applications in lucrative markets abroad.
But the ace in the hole for the country once COVID-19 subsides is marine tourism. Industry participants are reimagining leisure and recreational products capitalizing on the appeal of Taiwan’s coastal environment. As programs encompassing beach cleanups, land refuse management and microplastic controls continue taking effect, the country will be in the driver’s seat for the widely anticipated post-pandemic travel boom.
Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community fully committed to realizing the SDGs and building better tomorrows. Playing a front-line role in reviving the oceans while building a sustainable marine economy is in the DNA of the country and its 23 million people. Life on Earth hinges on the health of the ocean and yes, Taiwan Can Help.