As global warming intensifies, natural carbon sinks play a vital role to mitigate the impact of climate change and achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emission. Taiwan Mobile, in support of the 2050 net-zero emission goal, joined forces with the National Park Service of Taiwan and academic institutions to unveil the "Taiwan Blue Carbon Mangrove Restoration Project." Witnessed by National Park Service of Taiwan Acting Director Chen Chen-jung and Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin, a Memorandum of Collaboration was signed by Shieh Wei-sung, Director of the Taijiang National Park Headquarters; Lin Hsing-Juh, Lifetime Distinguished Professor at the Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University; and Iris Liu, Vice President of Sustainability, Brand Development & PR at Taiwan Mobile. This globally pioneering initiative integrates mangrove restoration, integrated aquaculture, and nanotechnology to convert waste aquaculture water into nutrients that accelerate mangrove growth. This would result a significant increase in carbon sequestration capacity—up to four times higher than traditional methods—capturing up to 77 metric tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually. The restored mangroves can also purify wastewater, stabilize coastal ecosystems, and promote biodiversity, rejuvenating Taiwan's coastal communities.
Scheduled to commence in 2025, the project will be spearheaded by Professor Lin Hsing-juh alongside a team of 15 researchers from nine institutions, including the Department of Life Sciences and the Department of Geosciences at National Taiwan University, the College of Marine Sciences at National Sun Yat-sen University, and the Department of Life Sciences at National Taitung University. The pilot site will be located in the Chengxi Wetlands Scenic Area, part of Taijiang National Park, where 3,000 mangrove trees will be planted on abandoned fish ponds. Over three years, the team will develop carbon-negative aquaculture techniques, measuring key factors such as mangrove carbon storage, greenhouse gas emissions, and benefits of biodiversity. By utilizing nutrient-enriched soil to simulate mangrove growth and incorporating nanotechnology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from mangrove soils, the project aims to maximize carbon sequestration capacity.
Preserving Our Blue Planet: Taiwan Mobile’s Commitment to Sustainability
Taiwan Mobile Chairman Daniel Tsai emphasized the company's dedication to environmental sustainability as a corporate citizen, committed to protecting our planet through natural solutions such as the “Taiwan Blue Carbon Mangrove Restoration Project.” He added that this initiative is not just a project; it is a dialogue with nature, a fusion of technology and ecology, and a promise to future generations. By leveraging blue carbon—the most effective natural carbon sink—the project aims to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, combat climate change, and achieve sustainable land use and conservation goals. Taiwan Mobile plans to translate research findings into actionable strategies, supporting a future where net-zero emissions are a reality.
Net-Zero Innovation: Leveraging Blue Carbon for a Net-Zero Future
President of Taiwan Mobile Jamie Lin highlighted the significance of the project and noted that mangroves are a crucial component of wetland ecosystems, possessing strong carbon sequestration capability. The accumulated substrates from planting mangroves can also help alleviate coastal land subsidence and enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems. More importantly, the project employs a world-first "integrated mangrove aquaculture carbon-negative technique" to repurpose abandoned fishponds into mangrove restoration bases, revitalizing land use and improving local livelihoods. Taiwan Mobile supports local mangrove carbon sink research and the development of innovative blue carbon technologies, hoping to share Taiwan's successful experiences internationally and contribute to global climate action.
Mangrove Restoration to Improve Coastal Sustainability and Cool the Earth
Vice President Iris Liu stated that Taiwan Mobile aspires to be a pioneer in the blue carbon field, demonstrating not only a commitment to the environment but also a tangible contribution to societal sustainability. The project aims to revitalize extensive abandoned salt pans and fish ponds along Taiwan’s southwestern coast, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services. Through habitat restoration, the project seeks to achieve sustainable land use and management, offering a fresh perspective on the wise use of wetlands. Additionally, through cross-disciplinary research and collaboration with coastal communities, the project highlights the innovative contributions of mangrove conservation and restoration to global climate action. Taiwan Mobile will continue to actively support Taiwan's sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals through scientific research and cross-sector cooperation.
Project Focus: Species Rehabilitation, Ecological Benefits and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The "Taiwan Blue Carbon Mangrove Restoration Project" will be conducted in the Chengxi Wetlands Scenic Area of Taijiang National Park. This area is also part of the Sicao Wildlife Refuge of Tainan City, an important site for wetland conservation in Taiwan. The project aims to create sufficient habitat for migratory birds and focuses on three key aspects: biodiversity restoration, ecological benefits and interdisciplinary collaboration. It will involve planting native coastal mangrove species such as Lumnitzera racemosa and Rhizophora stylosa. These mangrove species, commonly found at estuaries and marsh lands, play a vital role in carbon sequestration and ecological regulation.