Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng attended the "Water Environment and Clean Ocean Volunteer Awards Presentation Ceremony" held by the Taoyuan City Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) yesterday (March 20th), commending a total of 77 outstanding teams and 96 volunteers. He also expressed gratitude to three enterprises for their commitment to river conservation work or making financial contributions (AU Optronics Corp., Micron Technology Taiwan Inc., and the ASE Environmental Protection and Sustainability Foundation). These actions demonstrate their fulfillment of corporate social responsibility. Through this event, appreciation was expressed to all volunteers and enterprises for their contributions to the rivers and coastal environments of Taoyuan, promoting water environmental protection through concrete actions and collectively improving the surrounding environment.
The nationwide water environment patrol volunteer force comprises over 14,000 individuals, with Taoyuan City accounting for approximately 20% of this total at approximately 3,600 volunteers, ranking first in the nation. These dedicated individuals cover a vast expanse of rivers, canals, and coastlines spanning 12 administrative districts in the city, totaling approximately 190.449 kilometers. Notable ecological sites like the Xucuogang Wetland, Caota Sand Dunes, Guanxin Algal Reef, and Xinwu Stone Weir fall under their vigilant watch. Each volunteer is deeply committed to safeguarding the environmental integrity of their homeland, contributing tirelessly to preserve its rich natural ecology and cultural heritage.
The types of water environments adopted by the Taoyuan water environment and coastal patrol volunteers are diverse, ranging from irrigation channels and ponds to rivers, estuaries, coastlines, and offshore areas. Throughout the year, their unwavering dedication is evident as they actively engage in environmental patrol and cleanup initiatives. Statistics from the 2023 water environment and coastal patrol volunteer teams showcase their remarkable achievements. They conducted 9,471 water environment patrols, organized 1,148 river (beach) cleanup events, and collectively cleared a staggering 188,566 kilograms of garbage. Additionally, they played a pivotal role in reporting 728 pollution cases during this period, highlighting their vital contribution to environmental protection efforts. During holidays, a total of 189 environmental education and advocacy activities were also organized through voluntary initiatives.
The TYDEP highlighted the importance of conveying the correct concept of protecting water resources and deepening public understanding of their significance. In response to World Water Day (March 22), the Water Environment Patrol Team and Coastal Patrol Team launched the "Monthly River (Beach) Cleanup Activity," urging more citizens to participate in water environment protection efforts. Through this public recognition event, the public witnessed the spirit of volunteer dedication and supported environmental protection through practical actions. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of the water environment for the citizens of Taoyuan.
The event was attended by Legislative Yuan member Tu Chuan-chi; city councilors Li Po-fang, Hsu Chi-wan, Sun Yun-hsuan, Chang Chao-liang, Yu Wu-ho, and Shu Tsui-ling, along with Chen Shih-wei, Director General of the TYDEP; Lu Ming-chi, Director of the Office of Coast and Resource Circulation Construction, Taoyuan City Government; Chang Shu-hao, Director of the Office of Environmental Management; Lin Ching-chang, Director of Plant Affairs Department at Micron Technology Taiwan Inc.; Kuo Pin-hung, Senior Director of Public Relations and Human Resources Department at the Chungli Branch of ASE Technology; Chien Huang-lung, Director of Environmental Safety and Risk Management Department at AU Optronics Corporation; and members of the Taoyuan Coastal Patrol Team and Water Environment Patrol Teams from various districts in Taoyuan.