Empowering ocean literacy: NSYSU, Ocean Affairs Council, and National Academy of Marine Research proclaim the "Takao Declaration"
2025-06-17
The College of Marine Sciences at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), in collaboration with the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR), jointly hosted the 20th anniversary conference of the International Pacific Marine Educators Network (IPMEN). Nearly 200 experts and scholars from over ten countries and regions specializing in ocean literacy, marine science, and traditional ecological knowledge came together to proclaim the "Takao Declaration," announcing the global course of action for ocean educators over the next decade, with hopes of making a strong impact on the international stage.
NSYSU President Chih-Peng Li emphasized that the 2025 IPMEN conference brought together experts from the Asia-Pacific and around the world in marine science and traditional ecological knowledge to deeply explore the relationship between ocean literacy and climate change, and to envision action paths for sustainable ocean development over the next decade. With the theme "Traditional Ecological Knowledge Perspective to Ocean Literacy Dialog - Voices from Asia-Pacific," the conference focused on connecting local community knowledge with ocean literacy in the Asia-Pacific. Discussions also explored how to advance marine science and education through traditional ecological knowledge and strengthen collaboration between communities and international scientists. Through four major strands: local community examples, exemplary programs, climate change, and consortium initiative, participants explored integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern ocean literacy in education and research. Workshops and the "Video Night" added richness and diversity to the conference, sparking multidimensional discussions.
One of the highlights of the conference was the public reading of the "Takao Declaration" by IPMEN co-founder Harry Breidahl and IPMEN committee members, witnessed by Minister of Ocean Affairs Council Bi-Ling Kuan, NAMR President Chung-Ling Chen, NSYSU President Chih-Peng Li, and Kaohsiung Deputy Secretary-General Hong-Rong Wang. The declaration proposes three major directions for advancing global ocean education and governance. Using "Takao," the ancient name of Kaohsiung, meaning "a place with dense bamboo forests," as a symbol, it calls for strengthening collaboration between traditional ecological knowledge and scientific research to ensure the wisdom of coastal communities plays a role in modern marine governance. It also promotes enhancing ocean literacy and public participation, and building an international platform to share and preserve marine knowledge, fostering cross-cultural, interdisciplinary exchange. The declaration will serve as a guideline for global marine educators in the coming decade.
The organizers noted that the "Takao Declaration" will also be presented at the 3rd 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, this June, in hopes of amplifying its global influence. Minister of Ocean Affairs Council Bi-Ling Kuan stated that the "National Ocean Literacy Model Country Four-Year Project" has officially launched this year. Through policy, education, and international collaboration, the initiative aims to position Taiwan as a model country for ocean literacy in the Asia-Pacific. The project will involve domestic and international academic institutions, educational organizations, and the marine industry to jointly develop a comprehensive ocean education system, enhance public ocean literacy, and expand Taiwan's role in international ocean affairs.
Dean Te-Yu Liao and Associate Professor Yuan-Pin Chang of NSYSU's College of Marine Sciences led the team organizing this large-scale international conference, showcasing NSYSU's long-established strength in marine education and research. Dean Liao stated that the College of Marine Sciences has always aimed to nurture internationally minded marine professionals. The college is dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity and the environment, researching ocean-related issues, addressing climate change, developing marine resources, and advancing marine engineering technologies. It is also committed to promoting public ocean science education, raising ocean literacy, and cultivating maritime awareness and culture. By hosting this conference, NSYSU demonstrated the responsibility and capability to support marine education policy and research efforts, fulfilling the university's social responsibility mission.
The College of Marine Sciences at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), in collaboration with the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR), jointly hosted the 20th anniversary conference of the International Pacific Marine Educators Network (IPMEN). Nearly 200 experts and scholars from over ten countries and regions specializing in ocean literacy, marine science, and traditional ecological knowledge came together to proclaim the "Takao Declaration," announcing the global course of action for ocean educators over the next decade, with hopes of making a strong impact on the international stage.
NSYSU President Chih-Peng Li emphasized that the 2025 IPMEN conference brought together experts from the Asia-Pacific and around the world in marine science and traditional ecological knowledge to deeply explore the relationship between ocean literacy and climate change, and to envision action paths for sustainable ocean development over the next decade. With the theme "Traditional Ecological Knowledge Perspective to Ocean Literacy Dialog - Voices from Asia-Pacific," the conference focused on connecting local community knowledge with ocean literacy in the Asia-Pacific. Discussions also explored how to advance marine science and education through traditional ecological knowledge and strengthen collaboration between communities and international scientists. Through four major strands: local community examples, exemplary programs, climate change, and consortium initiative, participants explored integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern ocean literacy in education and research. Workshops and the "Video Night" added richness and diversity to the conference, sparking multidimensional discussions.
One of the highlights of the conference was the public reading of the "Takao Declaration" by IPMEN co-founder Harry Breidahl and IPMEN committee members, witnessed by Minister of Ocean Affairs Council Bi-Ling Kuan, NAMR President Chung-Ling Chen, NSYSU President Chih-Peng Li, and Kaohsiung Deputy Secretary-General Hong-Rong Wang. The declaration proposes three major directions for advancing global ocean education and governance. Using "Takao," the ancient name of Kaohsiung, meaning "a place with dense bamboo forests," as a symbol, it calls for strengthening collaboration between traditional ecological knowledge and scientific research to ensure the wisdom of coastal communities plays a role in modern marine governance. It also promotes enhancing ocean literacy and public participation, and building an international platform to share and preserve marine knowledge, fostering cross-cultural, interdisciplinary exchange. The declaration will serve as a guideline for global marine educators in the coming decade.
The organizers noted that the "Takao Declaration" will also be presented at the 3rd 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, this June, in hopes of amplifying its global influence. Minister of Ocean Affairs Council Bi-Ling Kuan stated that the "National Ocean Literacy Model Country Four-Year Project" has officially launched this year. Through policy, education, and international collaboration, the initiative aims to position Taiwan as a model country for ocean literacy in the Asia-Pacific. The project will involve domestic and international academic institutions, educational organizations, and the marine industry to jointly develop a comprehensive ocean education system, enhance public ocean literacy, and expand Taiwan's role in international ocean affairs.
Dean Te-Yu Liao and Associate Professor Yuan-Pin Chang of NSYSU's College of Marine Sciences led the team organizing this large-scale international conference, showcasing NSYSU's long-established strength in marine education and research. Dean Liao stated that the College of Marine Sciences has always aimed to nurture internationally minded marine professionals. The college is dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity and the environment, researching ocean-related issues, addressing climate change, developing marine resources, and advancing marine engineering technologies. It is also committed to promoting public ocean science education, raising ocean literacy, and cultivating maritime awareness and culture. By hosting this conference, NSYSU demonstrated the responsibility and capability to support marine education policy and research efforts, fulfilling the university's social responsibility mission.
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