Yongan Wetlands Introduction
Yong'an Wetland was formerly known as Wushulin Salt Field, established in 1908, and once served as an important salt production base in southern Taiwan, witnessing the rise and decline of Taiwan's salt industry. During the Japanese occupation, the salt field thrived, and in 1952, the Nationalist government took over, reorganizing it as the "Taiwan Salt Manufacturing Corporation," continuing the development of the salt industry. However, with industrial transformation in the 1970s, the salt industry gradually declined. In 1985, Taipower acquired the site with plans for expansion of the Xingda Power Plant, marking the end of the once prosperous salt field's history. The Wushulin Salt Manufacturing Company, located within Yong'an Wetland, is the most historically significant building in the area. The office building adopts a European traditional Dutch Baroque architectural style, infused with some Japanese elements, standing prominently in the middle of the abandoned salt flats. However, after the salt fields were abandoned, the office building suffered from long-term neglect and damage due to the high salinity environment, leading to its deterioration and even being deemed a dangerous structure. With the rising awareness of local cultural heritage, Taipower began to pay attention to this historical site and invested in restoration efforts in 2006, allowing this century-old building to regain its former glory and become an important historical monument witnessing the rise and fall of Taiwan's salt industry. The Wushulin Salt Manufacturing Company has a beautiful facade and exquisite pebble construction, and although the office building is now empty, it still stands amidst the broad salt flats, allowing one to sense the historical atmosphere, reminiscent of the salt industry's past prosperity, representing an industrial building of significant historical and cultural value. Yong'an Mangrove Natural Park: A Path of Coexistence between Ecology and Human Rights. Yong'an Wetland, originally a salt field area, later became severely polluted by coal ash due to the establishment of Xingda Thermal Power Plant by Taipower, rendering salt production impossible. In 1986, Taipower planned to use the area as a coal storage site, but thanks to the efforts of local residents and environmentalists, government support was eventually gained, and in 1996, it was designated as "Yong'an Mangrove Natural Park." Today, it not only witnesses the industrial transformation of Taiwan but has also become the richest region of mangrove ecology along the Kaohsiung coast, home to various bird and aquatic species. It serves as an important place for observing natural ecology and promoting environmental education, showcasing the sustainable value of coexistence between humans and nature. A Biotope Where Mangroves and Birds Coexist. Yong'an Wetland is rich in mangrove ecology, which not only helps to prevent wind and sand, protect the coastline, and purify water, but also serves as an important habitat for various species. The mangroves in Taiwan primarily consist of Avicennia marina, Kandelia obovata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Sonneratia caseolaris, with Kandelia obovata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza predominantly found in the south, creating an ecologically diverse green barrier. From October to April of the following year, rare migratory birds like the Black-faced Spoonbill migrate from the north and peak in number from January to March, making this wetland an essential habitat for wintering and foraging. Additionally, Yong'an Salt Field, as the largest salt flat wetland in southern Taiwan, attracts over 110 species of birds, including the first-class protected Black-faced Spoonbill, Eastern White Stork, and Peregrine Falcon, as well as second-class protected species like the Black Stork, Osprey, and Little Tern. During the spring and autumn migratory seasons, large numbers of wading birds stop here, creating a spectacular birdwatching scene, attracting numerous nature enthusiasts to explore. With its rich ecological resources, Yong'an Wetland was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International in 1999 and recognized as a locally important wetland by the Ministry of the Interior in 2018. It not only features lush mangrove green corridors but also serves as a paradise for migratory birds, showcasing the vibrant vitality of wetland ecology.
