April 15, 2022
No. 087
A delegation led by special envoy Chang Tzi-chin, Minister of Environmental Protection of the Republic of China (Taiwan), arrived in Palau on April 12 for the Seventh Our Ocean Conference (OOC). The delegation, which included the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), proactively participated in side events and exhibitions on such topics as marine conservation and climate change. The TaiwanICDF organized two large exhibitions and two side events during the OOC held on April 13 and 14. These activities helped participating countries better understand Taiwan’s professional expertise and experience in marine issues, thereby creating new opportunities for cooperation.
The TaiwanICDF held the Taiwan Ocean Action Exhibit—Blue Ocean Green Future at the main OOC venue. The event introduced Taiwan’s accomplishments in marine conservation and environmental protection policy, featuring sunglasses, shoes, tote bags, and other environmentally friendly items produced by Taiwanese enterprises using recycled marine waste. In addition, the TaiwanICDF held the Toward Zero Emission and Zero Waste Future Exhibition at the Palau Royal Resort to showcase Taiwan’s success in industrial technological innovations for the circular economy, marine ecological conservation, and marine technology.
The TaiwanICDF, together with the United States Agency for International Development and the government of Palau, also hosted a side event—“Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States”—to share Taiwan’s countermeasures against climate change. Through this event, Taiwan and the US supported the exchange of views among Palau and other small island nations on their responses to climate change. At a side event with the Austronesian Forum, Taiwanese scholars and experts shared the experience of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples in employing traditional methods to promote environmental conservation and increase climate resilience.
Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and the First Lady attended the “Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States” side event, demonstrating the importance attached and the support extended to Taiwan. At this side event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang expressed, on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, deep gratitude to President Whipps. He thanked Palau for inviting Taiwan to organize an official delegation to participate in the OOC, enabling Taiwan and like-minded countries to jointly explore climate change adaptation plans. (E)