Do you understand the ocean? Taiwan is surrounded by sea on all sides, a typical island nation. Its internal waters (waters extending from the baseline toward the land) and territorial sea (waters extending 12 nautical miles from the baseline) cover an area of 58,797 square kilometers, far exceeding the land area of 36,192 square kilometers (source: Coast Guard Administration and Wikipedia). Yet, the public remains quite unfamiliar with the ocean that surrounds us. In our daily lives, beyond seafood culture, can we also build a high-quality “marine culture” of our own? To this end, the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the MNPH) has been hosting the “Month-by-Month Love the Sea – Marine Environment Education Activities” every month starting February 1st. Through conservation-focused environmental education games and DIY activities, the program aims to deliver marine conservation concepts in an educational yet entertaining and easy-to-understand way.
This year’s activities will be themed around important festivals, featuring a series of family-friendly programs. For example, in celebration of Lunar New Year, there will be “Abundance of Fish Every Year,” which explores the issue of overfishing, along with a “Lucky Fish Piggy Bank DIY” activity suitable for parents and children to do together. In March, coinciding with the Lantern Festival, there will be “Lantern Fish (Bioluminescent Fish) Celebrating the Lantern Festival,” introducing bioluminescent marine organisms, plus a “Eco-Friendly Marine Life-Shaped Lantern DIY.” Families are welcome to join and learn more about the ocean.
The 2015 “Month-by-Month Love the Sea – Marine Environment Education Activities” will also continue the point redemption rewards program from 2014 (only open to elementary school-aged children), rewarding long-time supporters of the MNPH’s monthly marine education events. Points accumulated in 2014 that were not redeemed can still be used. Each event is limited to 25 parent-child pairs, is completely free, and will close once full. Parents who care about education are encouraged to stay updated on registration details and act fast.
The MNPH is located within the Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park, at No. 24, Demin Road, Nanzih District, right across from the Kaohsiung City Motor Vehicle Office. Take the Kaohsiung MRT to R21 Metropolitan Park Station, then transfer to the Red 58 shuttle bus or walk about 10 minutes from Exit 4 to reach the site. For information on upcoming events and registration, the public can visit the MNPH website (http://marine.cpami.gov.tw/) or call 07-3601898, extension 1897 or 1891.
(China Times)