Taiwan’s coastlines, renowned for their natural beauty and ecological significance, are facing an alarming crisis due to human intervention. The Trust in Nature Foundation recently revealed findings from a decade-long survey, highlighting how artificial structures are accelerating erosion along Taiwan’s shores.
With only a fraction of the protected coastlines remaining untouched, experts are urging the government to adopt comprehensive policies to address this growing threat.
The State of Taiwan’s Coastlines: A Grim Reality
Ten years ago, the Trust in Nature Foundation began documenting the state of Taiwan’s coastlines, covering 383 locations across 15 counties and cities. Issues such as marine waste, artificial structures, and improper recreational activities emerged as major concerns. The survey identified nine priority areas, ranging from Taoyuan’s Guanyin District reefs to Taitung County’s Nantian Village.
A follow-up survey conducted this year painted a troubling picture. Out of 103 revisited locations spanning 300 kilometers, only 23.3 percent of the priority sites were classified as natural coastlines free of human-made objects.
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By contrast, 37.9 percent were impacted by concrete installations such as wave-dissipating blocks, seawalls, and fishing ports. Another 35 percent were dedicated to transportation and recreational facilities, while 3.9 percent housed green energy infrastructure.
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This trend underscores a significant shift from natural coastlines to heavily modified ones, exacerbating erosion and threatening coastal ecosystems. The stagnation observed in these areas is particularly concerning, as it reflects a lack of improvement despite the initial conservation efforts.
The Role of Artificial Structures in Coastal Erosion
Artificial structures, often intended to protect coastlines, have paradoxically contributed to their degradation. Wave-dissipating blocks, commonly used to mitigate erosion, were found to worsen the problem in some areas. These structures interfere with natural sediment movement and wave dynamics, leading to accelerated erosion downstream.
Chou No-heng, a project manager with the Trust in Nature Foundation, emphasized the hidden costs associated with these structures. Maintenance of wave-dissipating blocks is not only expensive but also ineffective in the long term. Instead, Chou advocated for ecological solutions like offshore reefs, which offer a more sustainable approach to erosion control.
Furthermore, the proliferation of fishing ports, seawalls, and recreational facilities has significantly altered the coastal landscape. These developments disrupt habitats, impact marine biodiversity, and diminish the aesthetic and ecological value of natural coastlines. The presence of green energy facilities, though well-intentioned, also poses challenges, as their placement often disregards the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.
The Call for Comprehensive Coastal Management
Addressing Taiwan’s coastline crisis requires a unified and proactive approach. Foundation director Sun Hsiu-ju stressed that halting development alone would not solve the problem. Instead, a collaborative effort between the government and the public is necessary to create a sustainable future for Taiwan’s coasts.
A critical step involves a thorough review of the Coastal Management Act. Currently, different government agencies operate independently, often with conflicting objectives. While some agencies focus on restoration, others engage in activities that inadvertently cause damage. This lack of coordination hampers effective coastal management and undermines conservation efforts.
Chou proposed establishing professional auditing and accreditation standards for coastal structures to ensure their long-term sustainability. Such standards would promote accountability and help identify best practices for minimizing environmental impact.
The foundation also advocated for ecological restoration methods, such as the construction of offshore reefs, which mimic natural processes and provide a habitat for marine life. These approaches prioritize the health of coastal ecosystems while mitigating erosion.
Public awareness and community involvement are equally important. By engaging local communities in monitoring and conservation initiatives, authorities can foster a sense of shared responsibility for protecting Taiwan’s coastlines.
Taiwan’s coastlines are at a crossroads, facing increasing pressure from human-made structures and inadequate management. The findings of the Trust in Nature Foundation highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive coastline protection policy that prioritizes ecological balance and sustainability.
Adopting natural solutions, strengthening legislation, and fostering collaboration between government agencies and the public are essential steps to reversing the damage. Without immediate action, Taiwan risks losing its invaluable coastal heritage to erosion and degradation.
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