In a powerful moment for Taiwan’s environmental movement, Dr. Jane Goodall, globally celebrated primatologist and conservation icon, made her first public appearance in Taiwan since 2018 — and her message was one of hope, action, and resilience.
Appearing at the Chaojing Coral Conservation Center in Keelung, a collaboration between Delta Electronics and the National Museum of Marine Science & Technology (NMMST), Goodall praised Taiwan’s progressive coral restoration efforts and encouraged the next generation to become guardians of the planet.
🌊 Coral Crisis and the Need for Action
Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” support more than 25% of marine life. However, global coral bleaching events, ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution have severely damaged reefs worldwide. Taiwan, located in the biodiverse Coral Triangle region, has seen its share of environmental stress.
Taiwan’s East China Sea coast was once abundant with vibrant coral colonies, but climate-related stress has led to mass bleaching in recent years. Amid this backdrop, Delta Electronics has emerged as a key environmental stakeholder, not only addressing the issue but reviving hope for coral ecosystems.
🧪 Delta’s Mission: Restoring the Reef
Bruce Cheng, Delta’s founder and a pioneer in corporate sustainability, announced that their coral nursery has preserved over 40 native species and is on track to restore 10,000 coral colonies by summer 2025. These are not cosmetic “reef beautification” efforts — they involve advanced propagation techniques, fragmentation, and replanting on artificial structures.
In partnership with NMMST, the center also serves as an education hub, where science meets public outreach. Technologies like submersible monitoring systems and machine learning-based growth tracking are helping ensure higher survival rates.
🌱 Jane Goodall’s Message: “Nature is Resilient”
During her visit, Goodall reiterated a powerful theme: “Even when nature is wounded, with help, it can heal.” She stressed that environmental despair should never replace action, and restoration projects like this prove that “hope lies in collective efforts and young minds.”
At 91, Goodall remains a relentless advocate, combining storytelling with science. Her “Roots & Shoots” initiative — launched in 1991 — is now active in over 65 countries, encouraging youth to take up environmental and humanitarian causes.
📘 New Book & Educational Collaboration
To further this message in Taiwan, Delta Foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), and NMMST launched a science picture book on coral ecosystems. The book will be integrated into the Roots & Shoots curriculum for primary schools — a crucial step to raise early awareness among Taiwan’s youth.
The book uses interactive illustrations, QR-based augmented reality, and localized marine examples to explain complex topics in a simple way — making it accessible and engaging even for children.
🎤 Inspiring Public Talk & Tang Prize Recognition
Goodall’s visit culminates in a lecture titled “Inspiring Hope Through Action”, hosted at National Taipei University of Technology. The event sold out within hours, reflecting the deep admiration she commands.
She will also visit the Tang Prize Foundation in Taipei — a long-overdue in-person gesture after she was named 2020 Tang Prize Laureate in Sustainable Development. COVID-19 had delayed her formal appearance at the award ceremony.
The Tang Prize, known as Asia’s version of the Nobel, recognized Goodall’s lifetime achievements in ecosystem preservation and her global educational outreach.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Delta Electronics has preserved 40+ native coral species, targeting restoration of 10,000 colonies.
- Jane Goodall commends Taiwan’s environmental progress, linking it to broader planetary healing.
- New science picture book to be used in schools as part of JGI’s Roots & Shoots youth education program.
- Taiwan continues to position itself as a regional leader in climate adaptation and marine conservation.
- Goodall’s Tang Prize honor reaffirms her influential role in environmental diplomacy.
❓FAQs
Why is Jane Goodall’s visit to Taiwan significant?
It marks her first public appearance since 2018 and reflects international acknowledgment of Taiwan’s growing role in environmental restoration and education.
What is Delta Electronics doing for coral reefs?
Delta has preserved over 40 coral species and aims to restore 10,000 colonies by summer 2025 using scientific propagation techniques and eco-engineering.
What does the collaboration with Roots & Shoots involve?
A science picture book on coral ecosystems will be used in Taiwanese schools to promote marine conservation among children.
How does this project help global conservation efforts?
Taiwan’s success offers a scalable model for community-based reef restoration and public-private partnerships in climate adaptation.
What is the Tang Prize and how is Jane Goodall connected?
The Tang Prize honors global achievements in sustainable development, among other fields. Goodall received the 2020 award but only now could attend in person due to pandemic delays.
