TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Environmental groups urged the government to reconsider a proposal to expand mangrove forests during a news conference at the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday (July 23).
Organizations including the Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association called for a comprehensive assessment of the issue. They warned against irreversible damage to Taiwan’s coastal and river mouth ecosystems, per CNA.
However, Ministry of Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) defended the environmental and economic value of mangrove forests, citing their globally recognized role as carbon sinks. He acknowledged ongoing government reviews of a mangrove expansion proposal, emphasizing a balanced approach that considers both emission reduction and environmental impacts.
Peng noted that many countries have historically undervalued mangrove forests, leading to widespread destruction. He emphasized Taiwan's commitment to protecting these ecosystems while also considering their potential role in carbon sequestration efforts.
National Chung Hsing University biodiversity professor and lead author of the proposal, Lin Hsing-juh (林幸助) acknowledged the need for managing mangrove expansion. He stressed that the proposals advocate for feasibility assessments based on the local environment, aligned with the recommendations of environmental groups.
Lin stressed that mangrove cultivation would target existing mangrove areas, not protected wetlands. He added that cultivating carbon sinks like mangroves would be a last resort to address emission reduction shortfalls.
Lin concluded by highlighting the inherent biodiversity value of "blue carbon" ecosystems, with carbon sequestration serving as an added incentive for corporate investment. Lin said international corporations are actively involved in natural carbon sink initiatives, including tree and mangrove planting projects.
