Aogu Wetland Ecology Exhibition Center
Region
Asia
Country
Taiwan
Flyway
East Asian - Australasian flyway
Initiative
WLI Asia-Oceania
About
Name of organisation
Wild Bird Society of Taipei
Funding support
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture
Number of staff
6
Number of visitors per year
80,000-100,000
Overall aims of the centre
Providing diverse environmental education programs and working in collaboration with local communities, academic institutions, and government agencies to protect Aogu Wetland.
Description of the centre
Aogu Wetland and Forest Park is located in southwestern Taiwan, along the Taiwan Strait. The park covers an area of 1,470 hectares, including 664.48 hectares of wetland and 805.52 hectares of man-made forest. It is an important wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the Black-faced Spoonbill. The Aogu Wetland Ecology Exhibition Center serves as the visitor centre of Aogu Wetland and Forest Park.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
Communication and education.
Top three successes
- Educational Outreach in Rural Areas:
We developed wetland ecology lesson plans and delivered them to nearby rural schools, helping fill gaps in environmental education and increasing ecological awareness.
- Supporting Community Interpretation Teams:
We assisted local residents in organizing wetland survey data, writing reports, and promoting their interpretation efforts through social media.
- Strengthening Online Engagement:
Through Facebook and Instagram, we regularly share bird sightings and event updates from Aogu Wetland, reaching and engaging audiences beyond the local area.
Top three challenges
1. Remote location and limited public transportation.
Aogu Wetland is located in a remote area with limited public transportation and infrequent bus services, making it difficult for visitors to access the site. This experience highlights the importance of developing alternative approaches, such as group bookings, partnerships with schools or communities, and online outreach, to reach wider audiences.
2. Hot summer climate reducing visitor willingness.
High temperatures during the summer months significantly reduce visitors’ willingness to participate in outdoor activities. This challenge demonstrates the need for seasonal program planning, shaded facilities, indoor exhibitions, and flexible scheduling to maintain visitor engagement throughout the year.
3. Land ownership and habitat management constraints
The wetland land is owned by Taiwan Sugar Corporation, while the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Chiayi Branch, manages the area through a land lease. Although habitat management is necessary for wetland conservation, the landowner is sometimes reluctant to invest in management measures due to limited economic benefits. This situation illustrates the importance of communication, negotiation, and long-term collaboration between landowners and management authorities.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety;Â Project planning.
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