Joining Hands to Protect Taiwan's Biodiversity: Mikania Vine Weed Control Initiative

Joining Hands to Protect Taiwan's Biodiversity: Mikania Vine Weed Control Initiative

Introduction to the Mikania Vine and Its Threat to Taiwan's Ecology

Mikania vine (Mikania micrantha) is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is a highly invasive species, listed as one of the world's top 100 invasive species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In Taiwan, it is also a common invasive plant.

The vine has long, slender, and highly branched stems that spread along the ground or climb over trees andvegetation. When it wraps around plants or trees, the original vegetation is deprived of sunlight, leading to its gradual death due to the inability to photosynthesize. Mikania vine is an aggressivea spreader, capable of growing up to 24 centimeters per day. It invades farmland, orchards, and reforested areas below 1,200 meters in elevation, posing a severe threat to Taiwan's ecological environment.

According to research, the mikania vine flowers and seeds between October and December each year, with winter being its peak seed dispersal period. Therefore, the best time to eradicate the mikania vine is before it flowers and seeds. As a result, the Ministry of Agriculture has designated August and September as Mikania Vine Control Months, conducting buy-back operations through local offices and encouraging the public to participate in the weed control efforts.
 

Yang Ming's "Biodiversity Protection and Zero Deforestation Commitment"

In May 2023, Yang Ming officially announced its "Biodiversity Protection and Zero Deforestation Commitment," aimed at addressing the impact of economic development on the natural environment, including climate change and biodiversity loss. Recognizing the critical importance of biodiversity for global sustainable development and human life, Yang Ming is committed to adhering to international environmental standards and supporting the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Yang Ming plans to adopt environmental strategies of "prevention, mitigation, restoration, and compensation" to minimize ecological impacts during the course of business operations.

On August 18, the company held a special "Wugu Wetland Habitat Protection Volunteer Event," bringing together nearly 100 employees and their families to help safeguard Taiwan's wetland ecosystems. Despite the sizzling hot summer weather, volunteers removed a total of 92 kilograms of Mikania vine. This effort not only contributed to restoring the local ecological balance but also further protected wetland plants, helping to preserve Taiwan's biodiversity. This event demonstrates the shared dedication of both the company and its employees to the "Biodiversity Protection and Zero Deforestation Commitment," with the goal of fostering a sustainable and biodiverse future for all. Together, let's keep making positive strides for the environment and join forces to safeguard the beauty of this island!