In early summer 2024, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung transformed into a bustling hub as the Ocean Affairs Council of Taiwan and the American Institute in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Branch (AIT/K) co-hosted the "2024 Ocean Challange." Since its inception, this event has attracted over 800 young students and scientists from 24 countries. This year, participants driven by their love and curiosity for the ocean, gathered in this marine wonderland. The event aims to inspire the creativity of young students by encouraging them to use their marine science knowledge to devise innovative solutions, thereby raising awareness among the younger generation about marine issues. The Ocean Affairs Council warmly welcomes all youths to join the cause of protecting the ocean.
Explore the Ocean World, Stay Overnight at the Aquarium
This year's event was held at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, a century-spanning repository of marine knowledge and one of the world's top ten aquariums. During the event, students participated in the "Sleep with the Fish" overnight activity, exploring the aquarium's hidden corners. "So this is what the display tanks look like up close!" exclaimed the students, as guides generously shared knowledge about the habits, characteristics, and breeding processes of marine creatures. They also experienced feeding tropical fish. Upon returning to the exhibition hall, the fish were no longer just passing sights. After gaining profound knowledge about marine life, students spent an unforgettable night with the fish, deepening their understanding of the ocean and igniting their passion and responsibility for marine conservation.
International Cooperation, Jointly Protecting the Ocean
This year, the event featured a special guest lecture by Dr. Katy Croff Bell, founder of the Ocean Discovery League and a National Geographic Explorer, on "Deep Sea Exploration." Dr. Bell shared her career in deep-sea research and discussed the current and future state of ocean exploration, providing participants with a glimpse into the mysterious deep sea.
Looking Ahead
AIT Kaohsiung Branch Chief Neil Gibson, in his opening remarks, emphasized that the ocean is central to addressing the climate crisis and creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier future. He highlighted the continuous growth of the Taiwan-U.S. partnership, driven by numerous shared values, such as the mutual goal of safeguarding our planet for future generations through the reduction of harmful emissions and the conservation of natural resources. The United States will continue to work closely with Taiwan and other global partners to promote ocean conservation and address global environmental issues.
Deputy Minister Hsiang-Wen Huang of the Ocean Affairs Council stated that over the past few years, the event has inspired many young people to recognize the challenges facing our marine environment and to propose creative solutions. It also provides a platform for them to exchange ideas and perspectives while learning from each other. This event has become a must-attend annual event for many young students, establishing itself as an increasingly influential international platform for marine youth.
Innovative Proposals, the Power of Youth
This year, 12 teams emerged from numerous competitors in the preliminary rounds, presenting solutions on issues such as ocean acidification, sea turtle conservation, marine debris, overfishing, and marine ecological conservation. They integrated ocean education promotion, marine civic action, and local revitalization into their models. These innovative proposals are expected to reverse the crises faced by the ocean.
To encourage more innovation, the Ocean Affairs Council not only subsidized the participating teams but also added three special awards this year. The Best Innovation Award was granted to National Taiwan University、National Pingtung University of Science and Technology－Team 神奇海綿, the Most Potential Award to Hsinchu International Academy－Team Ocean Lovers, and the Best Implementation Award was given to Kaohsiung American School, Northwood High School－Team WeHackers. With a total prize pool of NT$ 440,000, funds coming from these awards help new oceanic teams at home and abroad realize their proposals with government support.
This grand event is not only an exploration of the ocean but also a hope for the future. Let us look forward to the innovative proposals of these young students, bringing new prospects and changes to the marine environment.
