TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Sun Yat-sen University and the Kaohsiung City Government planted 60 coconut trees at Qijin Beach on Thursday (Dec. 5) to help absorb carbon dioxide.

According to National Sun Yat-sen University Oceanography Department Professor Hung Ching-chang (洪慶章), this project sets a precedent for carbon absorption in beach environments. He told CNA that coconut tree roots prevent beach erosion and have significant carbon absorption capacity.

Hung said each coconut tree can absorb nearly 25 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. Planting 900 trees per hectare will absorb approximately 23 tons of carbon a year.

“National Sun Yat-sen University and the Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau conducted environmental assessments before the project,” Hung said. “Coconut groves help offset carbon emissions and boost tourism.”

The university added the Taiwan Cooperative Bank sponsored the project to help support the nation’s carbon neutrality goal.