Yang Ming Advances Biodiversity Restoration in Taitung

Yang Ming Advances Biodiversity Restoration in Taitung

In line with its commitment to biodiversity conservation and zero deforestation, and in support of the government's “2050 Net-Zero Emissions” policy goals, Yang Ming has extended its ecological conservation efforts from the blue ocean to the land by organizing a tree-planting initiative in Chishang Township, Taitung County. Employees were invited to participate in the afforestation activity, with the first group led by Chairman Dr. Chuck F. M. Tsai, members of the Board of Directors, and the management team. Through guided tours of the forest site and hands-on tree planting experiences, participants gained a deeper understanding of the potential of forest restoration as a natural carbon sink and the vital role forests play in maintaining biodiversity, demonstrating Yang Ming's commitment to fostering harmony between business operations and nature.

The first afforestation activity was held from May 16 to 17 on land located in the Muye Section of Chishang Township, Taitung County. The site is being restored by the professional forestry team of Meta Green Forest in accordance with the Ministry of Environment's afforestation methodology for voluntary reduction projects. Native tree species, including Pistacia chinensis, Fraxinus formosana Hayata, Diospyros blancoi, and Acacia confusa, have been reintroduced to the area. To date, a total of 3,918 saplings have been successfully planted. Continuous maintenance measures, such as grass trimming and supplementary planting, are also being carried out to ensure the overall survival rate of the saplings.

Chairman Dr. Chuck F. M. Tsai stated that personally participating in the replanting of saplings not only represents a concrete demonstration of the company's ESG commitments by senior management, but also reflects tangible support for the nation's efforts to develop natural carbon sinks and achieve the 2050 net-zero emissions target. In addition, May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity. Echoing the concept of Nature-based Solutions defined at the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5), Yang Ming hopes to enhance climate resilience through the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. Forest restoration not only contributes to natural carbon sequestration, but will also incorporate biodiversity monitoring during future forest cultivation phases, helping restore habitats for native species and creating a sustainable environment for local ecosystems.

In addition to afforestation efforts, Yang Ming has long been dedicated to marine ecological conservation and global environmental protection. The Company has participated for multiple consecutive years in the whale protection vessel speed reduction program organized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and has received the program's highest honor, the Sapphire Award, for five consecutive years, effectively reducing underwater noise and the risk of vessel strikes on whales and dolphins. Yang Ming has also collaborated with the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology on a coral restoration project along Taiwan's Northeast Coast, successfully cultivating more than a thousand coral fragments across 16 coral species, demonstrating significant achievements in marine ecosystem restoration. Furthermore, Yang Ming continues to embed sustainability awareness across its global operations by encouraging overseas offices worldwide to participate in beach cleanups and environmental sanitation activities, connecting global efforts to protect the environment through concrete actions. Over the years, Yang Ming has actively promoted environmental awareness through its internal "Employee ESG Passport"program, fostering sustainability practices in employees' daily lives. Looking ahead, the Company will continue integrating internal and external resources and strengthening cooperation with professional organizations to further support the spirit of the International Day for Biological Diversity through meaningful actions and help create a sustainable future in harmony with both land and ocean for future generations.