Marine National Park Headquarters, National Park Service, Ministry of the Interior

Ranger Diaries: Work andLifein South Penahu Marine National Park

"He came as a stranger, but when he left, he became an old friend of the islanders." When I finished reading our colleague Wu Ming-han's experiences in the national park and examining his series of photos, I felt this sentence best summed up the impact he had with the islanders.

Our park rangers perform important conservation work on the ocean, and, as well, their footprints can be seen on almost every corner of the island as they undertake their challenging work. I am honoured to introduce this book to al our partners who help protect this precious land with such enthusiasm. I wish to dedicate this account by Wu Ming-han to all our volunteers, park rangers and residents who have guarded the four islands of southern Penghu for generations. These people now make up a big family who come from all over Taiwan and I acknowledge the contribution you have all made to preserving our National Park. The con- tents of this book are not only an account of the magnificent land and the beauty of its changing seasons, but it's also about the responsibility and love people feel for this land. Through Ming-han's lived experience of the national park, we can know that no matter where you go, as long as you treat the land and each other with love and respect, you will feel at home.

I look forward to the partners of the Marine National Park Headquarters laughing and talking about memories that are evoked by this book. I also hope that readers can take this book with them on the four islands of southern Penghu to feel the charm and beauty of the people and the land.

Director, Marine National Park Headquarters

Shao-Liang Hsu