The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration (ECNSAA) launches the “Coastal Cetaceans of Eastern Taiwan” program, applying the notion of marine resource conservation, an increasingly important topic, to the tourism sector of Chenggong Township, Taitung County. Implemented through the Taiwan Cetacean Society between June 25th and September 30th, the program includes a “sustainable oceans” exhibit at the Chenggong Yacht Marina’s Marine Environmental Education Center, an ocean-themed eco-tour of Chenggong Township and a “1-day cetacean surveying experience” in order to encourage an ecologically sustainable perspective regarding the waters around Taiwan.
The ECNSAA has long based its marine stewardship efforts in the Chenggong Yacht Marina’s Marine Environmental Education Center, close to Xingang Fishing Port. A 2016 marine sustainability exhibition staged at the Center, for instance, traces a sperm whale’s journey, in order to advocate cetacean and marine life conservation. Held in conjunction with the exhibit is “My Little Chenggong Town,” a game that gives free decorative paper tapes to participants who have earned enough reward points from designated stores in the Chenggong Township (Note: Offer limited to one roll of tape per person, while supplies last).
As part of the Coastal Cetaceans of Eastern Taiwan program, “Tell Your Ocean Story and Win a Chance to Explore Chenggong’s Marine Ecosystem!” (June 25th-26th) will see participants share interesting, ocean-related episodes. The best storytellers will be treated to a boat trip that starts from the Chenggong Fishing Port to become impressed with the area’s diverse cetacean ecosystem and fishing-village lifestyle through a heart-warming narrative derived from local ecological knowledge and stories about sea captains, villagers and shore-dwelling aborigines.
Moreover, a 1-day cetacean surveying experience designed to further raise awareness of eco-conservation will be available July 9th-10th. By attending indoor workshops and going on board an ocean-going research vessel, the participants can not only take a peek inside marine surveyors’ duties, identifying the cetacean presence, species and behavioral patterns while keeping photographic records, but also keep track of marine environmental factors and marine litter for a totally unprecedented whale-watching experience! For details, please visit the websites of ECNSAA and Taiwan Cetacean Society.