- TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Jul 00:00

Taiwan attends NMEA annual meeting in US

A Taiwan delegation participated in the 50th annual National Marine Educators Association conference June 29-July 3 in the U.S. state of Louisiana, underscoring the government’s commitment to deepening ocean education exchanges with partners, the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council said.   Led by Lin Li-ying, director of the OAC’s Department of Science, Technology, Culture and Education, the group comprised over 20 educators and experts. During the event, which involved 157 scientists and educators who presented nearly 100 research papers, Lin introduced three reports from Taiwan: “Analysis of Satisfaction of Promoting Marine Education Experience Activities,” “2024 Ocean Literacy Education Project in Taiwan” and “Empowering Ocean Literacy through Action: Launching a Global Book Series of the Ocean Decade.”   According to the OAC, the latter will be incorporated into the book series “Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade” alongside contributions from over 250 writers from more than 40 countries. The council added that NMEA President Tara Hicks Johnson praised Taiwan’s ocean education efforts during the event.   Group members also visited swamps and wetlands to gain a deeper understanding of local ecological challenges during the event, the OAC added.   An international ocean literacy leadership workshop was held by the council prior to the conference, the OAC said, adding that U.S. academics and experts were invited to join discussions on issues including local and global challenges and opportunities for ocean literacy, as well as how education can improve marine awareness.   OAC Minister Kuan Bi-ling said that the council will invest a total of NT$394 million (US$13.4 million) from 2025 through 2028 into a national plan to advance ocean literacy, aligning with the U.N. Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). She added that the government is committed to integrating resources and strengthening connections with global partners to realize the country’s responsibilities as a modern maritime country. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw