The Pingtung County Government is committed to protecting marine ecology and spontaneously trained underwater warriors two years ago to remove marine debris. To instill environmental awareness from a young age, 13 elementary school students formed a group of young underwater warriors, and last year, they collectively removed 32.8 tons of marine debris.
The Pingtung County Environmental Protection Bureau stated that to protect the marine ecological environment, after spontaneously training 12 underwater warriors among its staff, to further expand the removal of coral nets and marine debris from the seabed, it also recruited over 1000 vessels for an environmental fleet. In June last year, the first group of “young underwater warriors” in the country was established in Pingtung, with a total of 232 underwater warriors trained to date.
The Environmental Protection Bureau mentioned that the young underwater warriors are composed of 13 senior students from Kenting Elementary School. Under the guidance of Taiwanese diving instructors, they delve into marine education and teach diving knowledge and skills, showing a willingness to defend the marine environment. Officially formed in June last year, they joined the ranks of Pingtung’s underwater warriors, and together, they removed 32.8 tons of marine debris last year.
Kenting Elementary School students clear wanlitong underwater surface
One of the young underwater warriors commented that it’s challenging to clean up the trash at the bottom of the sea, emphasizing that everyone should take responsibility for their trash and not dispose of it in the ocean. This serves as a valuable lesson in maintaining the marine ecological environment.
Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chunmi stated that Pingtung, surrounded by the sea on three sides, possesses rich natural resources. The purpose of organizing marine cleanup activities is to convey the determination to defend the ocean, allowing participants to personally experience the severe threat of human waste to the environment. The goal is to effectively reduce the accumulation of marine debris and lessen its impact on the marine ecosystem; calling on the public to join the ranks of volunteers protecting the ocean, to cherish environmental resources, and to work together to protect marine ecology for the sustainable future of the Earth.
The county office mentioned that Hengchun Kenting has unbeatable sea views, yet marine life is threatened by waste, which also ruins the beauty of the coast. In addition to underwater warriors, young underwater warriors are now also participating in the removal of marine debris, helping to root environmental education from a young age.