Algal Reef Ecological Environment Classroom Introduction
The only algal reef ecological environment classroom in the country is located in the Xinwu District of Taoyuan City. Formerly a closed landfill for more than a decade, the site was revitalized into an algal reef ecological environment classroom with an investment of NT$15 million from the city government in 2018. It officially opened on July 4, 2019. The facility conducts algal reef ecological education through physical observation, sensory experiences, and multimedia interactions, providing free admission to the public. Visitors can also make online reservations for guided tours, coinciding with tidal times for field observations of algal reefs and intertidal ecosystems, allowing more people to personally experience the algal reef ecological environment. The algal reef ecological environment classroom serves not only as an exhibition space but also as an educational coastal environment. The coastal algal reefs of Taoyuan span approximately 27 kilometers, beginning at the Shaluan algal reef in the Dayuan District and extending to the Guanjin algal reef in the Xinwu District. Classified as plant-based reefs, they are the largest and most intact algal reef formations in the country, having existed for over 4,000 years. The area surrounding the algal reef ecological environment classroom is also the site of the Guanjin algal reef ecosystem wildlife protected area, located at the southernmost point of Taoyuan's algal reef zone, extending around 4.3 kilometers. The characteristics of porous ecosystem nurture rich biodiversity. To protect these precious algal reef ecosystems, the algal reef ecological environment classroom aims to promote environmental education, fostering restoration, conservation, education, and recreational functions. It collaborates with the Yongxing Community Development Association in Xinwu District to jointly manage and guide the training of local ecological interpreters. On November 3, 2021, it received certification as an "Environmental Education Facility" from the Environmental Protection Administration of the Executive Yuan. The hope is to unite public efforts to cherish the precious algal reef resources along Taoyuan's coastline. The algal reef ecological environment classroom has launched a two-hour environmental education course titled "A Thousand-Year Love," covering themes of algal reef ecological experiences, algal reef crises, algal reef characteristics, and community participation in protecting algal habitats, attracting more individuals to learn about algal reefs. Future plans include explorations of the Hohuo Creek secret realm, ecological observations of windbreak forests, rural experiences at Yongxing ancient farms, and DIY hand-painted koi, all designed to educate and entertain, hoping to draw more people into the time tunnel of algal reefs. (Source: Coast Management Office of Taoyuan City Government)
