he South Penghu Marine National Park was officially established on June 8, 2014, and has now reached its 10th anniversary. Throughout its development, the Marine National Park Headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior National Park Service (hereinafter referred to as "Marine National Park Headquarters"), has collaborated with the Penghu County Government, ecological experts, and conservation survey teams. Through zonal management methodology, efforts have been made to protect the marine environment and biodiversity. The Marine National Park HeadqTuarters has worked alongside the National Park Police and Coast Guard to monitor the waters, drive away foreign fishing vessels crossing the boundary, and enforce or advise on illegal fishing activities. With the support of the "Salute to the Ocean" policy, NGOs, and residents, coastal maintenance efforts have been launched at varying frequencies. Residents have been assisted in transitioning to snorkeling instructors, developing eco-tourism routes, and partnering with National Kaohsiung Normal University to create an "Ocean Classroom", turning the South Penghu Marine National Park into an "educational ark". To express gratitude to the partners, residents, and the public who have supported the growth of the national park, the Marine National Park Headquarters held a new book launch, ocean market, "Songs of the Four Islands-Your Concert", and performances by DF Modern Band and Teacher Kun-Han Lu’s folk song showcase on June 15. The event attracted crowds to the International Plaza at Penghu's Third Fishing Port, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the South Penghu Marine National Park.
A Decade of Progress, Growing Together
On June 8, 2014, Penghu South Four Islands National Park was officially established, becoming Taiwan's ninth national park and the second marine national park following Dongsha Atoll National Park. Its magnificent basalt landscape has attracted domestic and foreign tourists, winning the reputation of "natural geological classroom." To express gratitude to partner organizations, residents, and the public for their support in the park’s growth, the Marine National Park Headquarters organized a series of events to showcase the park’s 10-year journey of development. These included static exhibitions, VR experiences, an ocean market, book launches, and musical performances.
On June 15, the ocean market and musical performances held at the International Plaza of Penghu’s Third Fishing Port attracted crowds, creating a memorable evening infused with the unique charm of the South Four Islands. The Marine National Park Headquarters expressed gratitude to partner organizations, including the Penghu County Government, the Ocean Conservation Administration of the Ocean Affairs Council, and the Ocean Citizens Foundation, for setting up booths to promote marine conservation awareness. Village chiefs and residents from the South Four Islands also joined the festivities, reflecting the shared commitment between central and local governments to protect the national park.
Music Spreads – Songs of the Islands
In this event, music played a vital role in sharing the stories of the Four Islands. Teacher Kun-Han Lu, an elder from Xiyupingyu, performed four original folk songs (Po-kua), recounting the precious landscapes of the South Penghu Marine National Park through his gentle, heartfelt singing. His songs expressed deep affection for his homeland and celebrated the resilient spirit of the Penghu people. The DF Modern Band performed a marine-themed suite. Sheng-Wen Hsu, president of the band and long-time cultivator of musical talent in Penghu, emphasized that Penghu people are inseparable from the ocean – no matter where they go, they carry the ocean's vitality with them. Golden Melody Award-winning singer Ming-Yu Hsieh and the Bread Van Band performed their new piece “Waiting for the Tide”, dedicated to the South Four Islands. This song, performed alongside island residents and the Marine National Park Headquarters staff, conveyed the unique stories of life on the South Four Islands in a warm and intimate atmosphere.
The team behind “Your Concert” shared that since 2018, they have used music to connect with elders across Taiwan, and their journey finally brought them to Penghu. In September last year, they visited Xiyu Neian Village, and in April this year, they set foot on Dongji and Dongyupingyu of the South Four Islands. Listening to Penghu’s elders share childhood memories and life reflections allowed the team to experience the unique rhythm of island fishing villages, which they described as an invaluable experience. While the national park safeguards the marine environment and ecosystem, this event also fostered a sense of unity among the residents, showcasing the enduring vitality of the South Four Islands to the public.
The Marine National Park Headquarters expressed gratitude to every partner who has contributed to the national park over the past decade. The park looks forward to continuing this journey together, stepping hand in hand toward the next ten years.
