Wiwynn Foundation and New Taipei City Government Unite Industry Government Academia and Research to Safeguard Northern Taiwans Ocean

To safeguard Northern Taiwan’s marine ecosystems and address the urgent challenges of a changing marine environment and accelerating biodiversity loss, the Wiwynn Foundation and the New Taipei City Government formalized their commitment at the “Wiwynn Foundation x New Taipei City Government | Safeguarding Northern Taiwan’s Oceans” memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony at the City’s Comma Lab on October 20. This partnership will advance coral and marine habitat restoration.

This cross-sector initiative unites industry, government, academia, and research partners to promote marine conservation and the sustainable use of resources in Northern Taiwan. The Wiwynn Foundation will work closely with the New Taipei City Government and the team of Professor Shinya Shikina of National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) to continue investing in coral restoration. This project will utilize versatile recycled materials developed by the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC), specifically using waste stone materials and discarded oyster shells, combined with 3D printing, to create ocean-friendly artificial reef substrates. These will provide safe and stable ‘new homes’ for corals. In addition to planning a landmark coral restoration demonstration base for northern Taiwan, the initiative will also deepen coral restoration and marine education efforts. By revitalizing habitats, the goal is not only to attract more marine life but also to enhance the effectiveness of marine afforestation, advancing toward the goal of the sustainable development of marine resources and realizing a shared vision for a sustainable ocean in Northern Taiwan.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-Ih stated, “SDG 14 is a core principle guiding our marine conservation efforts. To protect marine ecosystems, New Taipei has already designated four Aquatic Organisms Propagation and Conservation Zones in Wanli, Yehliu, Ruifang, and Gongliao, and established the nation’s first aquaculture fishery demonstration zone in Mao’ao Bay. Additionally, this year we are promoting the complete withdrawal of gillnets from the Northeast Coast. Starting January 1, 2026, the use of gillnets will be banned within 3 nautical miles of the Northeast Coast, eliminating the impact of nets on corals and marine life, allowing our marine resources to thrive. We are also collaborating with NTOU on the Mountain and Marine Afforestation initiative, planting 500 corals annually. We are proud that the foundation of a valued local enterprise, Wiwynn Corporation, is the first to answer our call to action, signing this MOU to jointly promote marine conservation and realize our vision of a sustainable ocean in Northern Taiwan.”

Emily Hong, Chair of the Wiwynn Foundation, stated, "The partnership signed today is more than just a beginning; it is Wiwynn’s commitment to sustainability. Since our establishment, the Foundation has operated on the philosophy of 'harmony with the environment, inclusivity among people, and balance within oneself ,' promoting nature conservation and sustainability education. Under our ‘Ocean Hugs’ initiative, we have advanced marine conservation projects, including planting corals in Penghu and creating a coral garden at Heping Island in Keelung. In collaboration with Professor Shinya Shikina of NTOU, we have successfully restored nearly 350 corals. We also partnered with MIRDC to use recycled materials for artificial substrates, giving new life to waste resources."

Emily Hong added, "In the future, we will continue to deepen restoration and monitoring in northern waters and expand educational collaborations to involve more Wiwynn partners, schools, and communities. Today's partnership is a concrete practice of collaboration between the private sector and the government. Only through cross-sector cooperation can the power of sustainability truly converge and continue to grow."

Liu, Chia-Ju, Chair of the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC), stated, "This project incorporates versatile recycled materials developed by the MIRDC team, combined with 3D printing, to create ocean-friendly artificial reef substrates that allow corals to grow in a safe and stable environment. The deeper meaning behind coral restoration is a true blessing for the future environment. MIRDC is honored that its role in this partnership demonstrates technology as both a force for good and a core responsibility."

NTOU Vice President Fan-Hua Nan remarked, “NTOU has a long-term partnership with New Taipei City in marine resource restoration, annually conducting coral restoration and releasing various aquatic fry. Though coral ecosystems cover a small fraction of the ocean floor, they play a vital role in maintaining both ecological balance and biodiversity. This collaboration with the Wiwynn Foundation will combine the professional research capabilities of NTOU with the foundation's corporate resources to jointly advance coral and habitat restoration in northern Taiwan, ensuring the long-term, stable development of these restoration outcomes."

The Wiwynn Foundation emphasized that it will continue to promote public-private partnerships and realize its sustainability blueprint through concrete actions. Starting from New Taipei, the foundation aims to enable more people to get close to the ocean, understand the ocean, and turn conservation ideals into action. This will allow the results of marine restoration to spread and endure, allowing the vision of a sustainable ocean to take root and flourish in Taiwan.