Algal Reef Ecological Classroom Introduction
The only macroalgae reef ecological environment classroom in Taiwan is located in the Xinshi District of Taoyuan City. It was formerly a garbage landfill, the Yongxing Landfill, which had been closed for over 10 years. The city government places great importance on the conservation of macroalgae reefs and invested 15 million NTD in 2018 to revitalize and transform the landfill into a macroalgae reef ecological environment classroom, which opened on July 4, 2019. This facility provides macroalgae reef ecological education through physical observation, sensory experiences, and multimedia interaction, offering free admission to the public. Visitors can also book guided tours online and conduct ecological observations of macroalgae reefs and intertidal zones according to tidal times, allowing more people to personally engage with the macroalgae reef ecosystem. As a result, the macroalgae reef ecological environment classroom not only serves as an exhibition space but also becomes a significant educational coastal environmental educational venue. The coastal macroalgae reef spans approximately 27 kilometers in Taoyuan, starting from the Shalun Macroalgae Reef in Dayuan District to the Guanxin Macroalgae Reef in Xinshi District. It is a plant-based reef and is currently the largest and most complete macroalgae reef formation in the country, existing for over 4,000 years. Surrounding the macroalgae reef ecological environment classroom is the Guanxin Macroalgae Reef Ecosystem Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located at the southernmost part of Taoyuan’s macroalgae formation, extending about 4.3 kilometers. The porous ecosystem characteristics foster rich biodiversity. To protect this precious macroalgae ecosystem, the macroalgae reef ecological environment classroom aims to promote environmental education while serving functions of restoration, conservation, education, and recreation. The city government has also collaborated with the Yongxing Community Development Association in Xinshi District for joint management, providing guidance and training for local ecological interpreters. On November 3, 2021, it received certification as an "Environmental Education Facility" from the Environmental Protection Administration of the Executive Yuan. This initiative aims to unite the public to jointly cherish Taoyuan’s precious macroalgae resources along the coastline. The macroalgae reef ecological environment classroom offers a 2-hour environmental education course titled "A Thousand Years of Love," covering various themes such as macroalgae reef ecological experiences, macroalgae crises, characteristics of macroalgae, and community participation in protecting macroalgae habitats, attracting more people to learn about macroalgae. In the future, additional programs will be planned, including explorations of the Hohuk Creek secret, ecological observations of windbreak forests, agricultural experiences at Yongxing Old House, and DIY hand-painted koi sessions, all designed to combine education with enjoyment and encourage more people to enter the time tunnel of macroalgae. (Source: Coastal Management Engineering Office, Taoyuan City Government)
