Yunlin County Government News Reference 115.02.14
In recent years, the Yunlin County Government has guided many businesses in Kouhu Township to participate in wetland labeling certification. Using environmental friendliness and smart utilization as a development framework, the government is working with local businesses in Kouhu to respond to ecological conservation efforts. Through friendly production and ecological education practices, the government aims to help consumers gain a deeper understanding of the ecological value of important wetlands and promote the common development of local industries.
Chenglong and Yiwu Wetlands were designated in 2019 to protect the important coastal landscape and ecological resources of Kouhu Township, providing a habitat for abundant biodiversity, especially during migratory bird season, when a rich variety and number of geese, ducks, and swans can be observed. In addition, the wetland coastal area is an important production area, with abundant fish, shrimp and shellfish providing a breeding environment that forms the basis for the lives and production of nearby communities, demonstrating the interaction and coexistence of human society and nature, and becoming an important location on the southwest coastal wetland conservation axis.
Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that protecting wetland biodiversity is also protecting the well-being of the public. The Chenglong and Yiwu Wetlands are not merely natural resources; they are the cornerstone of Yunlin County's future sustainable development. To this end, since 2023, the county government has commissioned Professor Wang Po-ching of National Chiayi University to conduct wetland labeling guidance work. The team gained a deep understanding of the local wetland industry. This year, we will submit an application for wetland label certification to the Ministry of the Interior. Currently, the first phase of review is expected to involve eight aquaculture operators. We hope to bring new value to agricultural and fishery products and ecotourism around the wetlands, further gain more market recognition and economic benefits, and allow consumers' purchasing support to directly benefit agricultural and fishery operators, taking into account both local industry livelihoods and ecological conservation benefits.
County Magistrate Chang further stated that in addition to the wetland labeling and certification program to be promoted this year, the county government has also made progress in other ecological conservation efforts. For example, in collaboration with Professor Lai Hung-chih of National Chiayi University and Professor Chen Yi-hsiung of National Taiwan Ocean University, they published a study on the Taiwan-endemic fish species "Jackie Blue Sturgeon," bringing the name of Jackie Wetland to the international academic stage. They have also collaborated with forestry and nature... The Conservation Administration promoted the "Important Habitat Ecosystem Service Payment Promotion Program," which involved 80 farmers who responded by creating approximately 111 hectares of bird-friendly fishponds. Last year (2015), they led six elementary and junior high schools in the county to learn about wetland-related courses, raising public awareness that wetlands offer rich natural ecological resources beyond art festivals, which are worth sharing and protecting.
Sources: Executive Yuan
