Environmental Management Administration

From July 24 to 26, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) hosted the “Secrets Beneath the Surface: Soil and Groundwater Exhibition and Technical Forum” at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. On July 25, it also held the “2026 ASEAN Regional Forum on Soil and Groundwater Challenges, Sustainable Remediation Strategies, and the Awards Ceremony for the Investigation and Remediation Research Competition.” The event integrated science education exhibits, technical exchanges, an international forum, and a youth research competition, showcasing Taiwan’s achievements in soil and groundwater pollution prevention, investigation, and remediation. Experts, scholars, and students from Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia were invited to gather at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park to further strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and ASEAN countries in soil and groundwater protection.

Liu Jui-Hsiang, Deputy Director-General of the Environmental Management Administration, MOENV, stated that soil and groundwater are vital resources that support food production, domestic water supply, industrial development, and ecological environments. Through this forum, Taiwan shared its soil and groundwater protection systems and practical experience, while experts from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia exchanged views on issues including soil and groundwater governance challenges, nanotechnology-assisted bioremediation, nature-based remediation, and pollution control and mitigation measures. These exchanges promoted mutual learning among participating countries in areas such as policy, technology, and site management.

The Awards Ceremony for the Investigation and Remediation Research Competition was also held on the same day. In previous years, participation mainly involved international students studying in Taiwan. This year, the competition was further expanded to universities and colleges in ASEAN and other countries, allowing overseas students to register and form teams directly from abroad and participate in the competition and exchanges either in person or online. This year’s competition attracted 50 teams, with participants representing eight countries and 39 colleges and universities in Taiwan and abroad The participating countries were Taiwan, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mauritius, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Following a preliminary review, 20 teams advanced to the final stage. The competition ultimately awarded first place, second place, third place, and two Popularity Awards, demonstrating the creativity and commitment of youth from Taiwan and ASEAN countries in advancing soil and groundwater environmental protection.

The MOENV pointed out that international soil and groundwater governance has gradually shifted from post-contamination remediation toward pollution prevention at the source, risk management, and green and sustainable remediation, while placing greater emphasis on carbon reduction, ecological restoration, and land reuse. Moving forward, the ministry will continue working with ASEAN partners on talent cultivation, technology verification, demonstration sites, and information sharing, transforming international exchanges and youth innovation into concrete environmental improvement actions.

As the “Secrets Beneath the Surface: Soil and Groundwater Exhibition and Technical Forum” entered its final day, the MOENV said that the event was also a designated stop in the “Green Living Adventure Month” stamp collection and prize draw campaign, making it an opportunity not to be missed. The ministry encouraged the public to gather family and friends and take advantage of the final day to visit Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and explore the secrets beneath the surface.