Algal Reef Ecological Environment Classroom Introduction
The only algal reef ecological environment classroom in the country is located in the Xinshi District of Taoyuan City. It was formerly the Yongxing landfill, which had been closed for over ten years. The city government values algal reef conservation and invested 15 million NT dollars in 2018 to revitalize and transform the landfill into an algal reef ecological environment classroom, which was officially opened on July 4, 2019. This facility conducts algal reef ecological education through physical observation, sensory experience, and multimedia interaction, providing free admission to the public. Guided tours can be reserved online, allowing visitors to conduct real-time observations of algal reefs and intertidal ecology in accordance with tidal schedules, enabling more people to experience the algal reef ecological environment. The algal reef ecology classroom is not just a display but also serves as a meaningful coastal environmental education site. The coastal algal reefs of Taoyuan extend approximately 27 kilometers, starting from Shalun Algal Reef in Dayuan District to Guanxin Algal Reef in Xinshi District. This area consists of plant-based reefs and is the largest and most well-preserved algal reef structure in the country, existing for over 4,000 years. The coastal area surrounding the algal reef ecological environment classroom is home to the Guanxin Algal Reef Ecological Wildlife Protection Zone, located at the southernmost section of the algal reef belt in Taoyuan, stretching about 4.3 kilometers. The porous ecosystem's characteristics nurture rich biodiversity. To protect this precious algal reef ecosystem, the algal reef ecological environment classroom aims to promote environmental education, fulfilling functions of restoration, conservation, education, and recreation. The city government, in cooperation with the Yongxing Community Development Association in Xinshi District, manages the facility and fosters local ecological guides. On November 3, 2021, it received certification as an "Environmental Education Facility" from the Environmental Protection Administration of the Executive Yuan, hoping to rally public support to cherish the precious algal reef resources along the Taoyuan coastline. The algal reef ecological environment classroom offers a two-hour environmental education course themed "A Thousand-Year Romance," featuring topics such as algal reef ecological experiences, algal reef crises, algal reef characteristics, and community participation in protecting algal habitats, attracting more people to learn about algal reefs. Future plans include exploring the Back Lake Stream secrets, observing windbreak forest ecology, experiencing traditional farm life at the historic Yongxing houses, and DIY hand-painted koi activities, all aimed at making environmental education engaging and enjoyable, with the hope of bringing more people into the time tunnel of algal reefs. (Source: Taoyuan City Coastal Management Office)
