New Zealand Māori female tribal leader voiced her passion for and commitment to ocean conservation at the APEC “Workshop on Fostering Women’s Economic Empowerment for a Resilient Marine Industry”
The workshop, organized by the Ocean Affairs Council, continued on May 7th at the Chaojin Intelligent Ocean (iOCEAN) within the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST) in Keelung City. Dr. Su-Fen Chen, Director-General of the NMMST, welcomed the delegates, shedding light on the unique contributions of women in Taiwan’s marine science, ocean professionals, and educational sectors while also discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by women in marine conservation around the world.
The morning session commenced with presentations by three experts. First, Dr. Hsiang-Wen Huang, Director-General of the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council from Taiwan, shared her career journey and research endeavors in marine conservation. Through scientific research, she demonstrated how modifications in fishing gear and methods, such as using round-shaped fish hooks and implementing mitigation measures in longline fishery, could reduce the bycatch of turtles and seabirds, respectively. Additionally, Director-General Huang highlighted her efforts to analyze fundamental data to gradually develop and promote national policies on marine debris governance. These experiences underscored how women can leverage collaboration to fully release their potential and contribute to marine conservation.
The following speaker, Mrs. Nurmila Anwar from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, shared Indonesia’s strategies for sustainable trade and marine resource protection through strict quota controls.
The last speaker, Ms. Nicola MacDonald, Co-Chair of New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf Forum, shared her journey as an indigenous female leader advocating for marine conservation. As a leader in her coastal indigenous community, she observed the gradual environmental changes and led the community to execute the largest-ever mussels release (1.5 million tonnes). This action aimed to purify local water quality, increase dissolved oxygen levels, and improve marine ecosystems. She also replaced traditional plastic mussel attachment ropes with natural materials. These efforts earned Ms. MacDonald the honor of receiving the 2024 New Zealand Environmental Hero Award.
Following the short talks, participants engaged in group discussions on women’s roles in marine conservation, emphasizing gender diversity and the importance of technological innovation in overcoming barriers to women’s participation. They also discussed the integration of traditional knowledge into conservation efforts to promote gender equality and sustainable development.
After a lively exchange of ideas, the locally renowned ‘Badauyao’ boxed lunches were promptly served, representing the unique flavors of Badouzi, one of the largest fishing ports in Northern Taiwan. The ‘Badauyao’ is an eco-conscious restaurant with the idea of minimizing additives and plastic usage, which echoes the vision of this workshop. The taste of the lunchbox also provided participants with a sample of the wisdom and culture of the coastal community.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Chaojin Coral Conservation Center, a joint initiative between the NMMST and the Delta Electronics Foundation, the first zero-carbon coral conservation center in Asia. It also aims to restore ten thousand endangered corals through innovative technologies over the next three years.
Through an immersive experience, participants were guided by experts to plant corals step by step to contribute to marine conservation. Participants also experienced Virtual Reality technology, gaining insights into sustainable marine ecosystems from a relaxed and enjoyable tech approach.
It was worth noting that all participants, both domestic and international, showed great interest in Taiwan’s marine protected areas, particularly the “Wanghaixiang Bay Conservation Area.” This area, a collaborative effort between the Ocean Affairs Council, Keelung City Government, and the NMMST, embodies the essence of public-private cooperation with active participation from residents, promoting community revitalization and sustainable development. Through this collaborative effort, the conservation area has become a prime advocate for Taiwan’s marine conservation spirit.
With the enthusiastic participation of all attendees, the workshop concluded with joy. Participants expressed amazement, inspiration, and support for the in-depth discussions and interactive learning opportunities. They pledged to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the marine industry, advocate for sustainable marine conservation, and create a more resilient and inclusive future for the Asia-Pacific region.
Sources: Ocean Affairs Council
