Kouhu Wetland Ecological Education Walk: Wetland Inclusive Environment

(中央社訊息服務20251014 12:29:22)The Yunlin County Government invited teachers and students from Minsheng Elementary School in Linnei District to visit the coastal Kouhu Township to experience two important wetland types with rich ecosystems and diverse landscapes: the Chenglong Wetland, formed by seawater intrusion into farmland, and the Yiwu Wetland, located at the mouth of the Beigang and Niutiaowan Rivers. By gaining an understanding of the history, current use, and future prospects of these wetlands, the students gained an in-depth experience of Kouhu Wetland Park's ecological education promotion program.

In 2019, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, designated two locally important wetlands: the Chenglong Wetland and the Yiwu Wetland. The Chenglong Wetland was originally farmland, but due to dike breaches, storm surges, and ground subsidence, it eventually submerged in saltwater and became impractical for cultivation. This area gradually became an artificial grassland wetland. The Yiwu Wetland, located at the confluence of the Beigang River estuary, is an intertidal mudflat wetland, rich in fish, shrimp, shellfish, and oyster aquaculture, making it a key production area in the coastal region. These two important wetlands provide a habitat for organisms, especially during migratory bird season, when a rich variety of bird species, including gulls, storks, and ducks, can be observed. They are rich in biodiversity and play an important role in supporting robust ecosystem services.

Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that the county government has been collaborating with the Kuanshu Educational Foundation, local communities, the Nantou Branch of the Forestry and Conservation Administration, the National Park Service of the Ministry of the Interior, and the Department of Landscape Architecture of National Chiayi University in recent years to continuously invest in basic ecological surveys and nature education. This time, students from Minsheng Elementary School in Linnei Township were invited to visit the Chenglong and Yiwu wetlands to learn about the diverse water ecosystems. The students participated in the Chenglong Community Development Association's "Wetland Working Holiday" to explore how the Chenglong Wetland was transformed from "lost farmland" into a magnificent site through the Environmental Art Season. They experienced the beauty of the wetlands through artworks integrated into the landscape and took a raft ride to fully appreciate the unique fish pond scenery of the coastal area. Through this, they gained insight into the impacts of environmental changes, such as sea level rise and land subsidence, on local communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems. The program helped cultivate their sense of hometown and connection to local environment, while deepening their understanding of Yunlin’s distinctive characteristics.

The Yunlin County Agriculture Department expressed its gratitude to Professor Wang Po-ching and his team from National Chiayi University for their years of involvement in wetland-related ecological research and community support, and for their ongoing assistance in organizing multiple wetland ecological education initiatives. This time, they led the students in learning about the aquatic product cultivation process in Kouhu Township and explored the uniqueness and ecological significance of Oryzias chenglongensis, a fish species endemic to Taiwan. The experience deepened the students’ understanding of the natural environment and sparked their interest in science, while also supporting continued research on the species’ symbiosis with sea vegetables. The team also assists local aquaculture operators in implementing temporary relocation and rearing measures for the species during the pond drying period, enabling the coexistence of the wetland environment and local industries. Their efforts help create a sustainable place where people and nature thrive together harmoniously.