The 2024 Taiwan Ocean International Forum explores the importance of restoring and protecting blue carbon ecosystems
The forum was opened by Xiang-wen Huang, Deputy Chairman of the Ocean Affairs Council; Ze-shan Ye , Deputy Mayor of Tainan; Yu-nu Chen, Vice President of NCKU; and distinguished guests from various countries.
Since 2019, the Ocean Affairs Council has hosted this annual forum to address key global ocean issues, becoming a significant platform for collaboration among governments, industries, academia, and international experts in the Asia-Pacific region. This year's forum focused on blue carbon, biodiversity, and climate change, crucial topics for the global future.
Ocean Affairs Council Chairwoman, Kuan Bi-ling, emphasized that as an island nation, Taiwan's ocean resources are not only vital for economic development but also key in combating climate change. She noted the establishment of Taiwan's National Climate Change Response Committee, underscoring the importance of domestic and international cooperation on climate action. Kuan expressed her hope that the ocean would become a bridge connecting like-minded partners, not a barrier.
NCKU Vice President Yu-nu Chen highlighted the university's strong performance in global sustainability rankings, reflecting its academic achievements and commitment to net-zero transformation. NCKU is actively involved in multiple sustainability initiatives, including ocean blue carbon conservation, carbon footprint reduction, and net-zero transitions, collaborating with various sectors to raise awareness of sustainability.
Tainan, celebrating its 400th anniversary this year, is home to Taiwan’s largest wetland resources, including the Zengwen River Estuary and Sicao Wetlands, which are key assets for the nation’s marine blue carbon. Therefore, hosting the forum in Tainan, with the support of NCKU, held symbolic significance.
The Ocean Affairs Council expressed gratitude to Tainan City Government and NCKU for their full support in hosting the forum in Tainan for the first time, symbolizing a close connection between central and local governments, international and local communities, as well as history and the future. The forum sparked innovative thinking and collaborative opportunities, and the Ocean Affairs Council, Tainan City Government, and NCKU sincerely thanked all participants, urging continued attention to ocean issues and collective action to promote a sustainable ocean future.
The Ocean International Forum Launch Ceremony.
Group photo of the speakers at the Ocean International Forum, including officials and experts from 10 countries: the United States, Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan, as well as session moderators from allied nations, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Marshall Islands Ambassadors.
2024 Ocean International Forum group photo of all attendees.
The 2024 Ocean International Forum is organized by National Cheng Kung University's Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory, with Vice President Chen Yunnü (right) and Professor Liu Dagang, Associate Director of the lab (left).