Developing local cultural Characteristics and Promoting Regional Revitalization – The Jiukuaicuo Fisherman Ecological Experience
Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science recently implemented the second phase of "Sustainable Environmental Ecology and Green Industry for Annan District” as a fulfillment of the University Social Responsibility (USR) project, sanctioned by the Ministry of Education. The main objective for these sub-projects is Eco-tourism and Regional Revitalization, which includes developing lite ecological tourism for the area, understanding the ecological conservation of Annan, repurposing the unused space in the neighborhoods, and planning effective usage.
The "Mazugong-Jiukuaicuo Eco Park” located in Xiangong Village of Annan District, Tainan City, is one of the locations that cooperated with the university’s project. It has become a new tourist attraction, hidden amongst the fishing farms. Early July this year, journalist Wang Shuxiu from Liberty Times wrote, "The location of Jiukuaicuo Eco Park, which is near the Luermen Tianhou Temple, is quite obscure. For years, only can the word of mouth from insiders lead to the discovery of this amazing place." And it is precisely this report that turned this hidden gem into an up-and-coming scenic spot!
Tsai Chunfeng, the CEO of the Luermen Ecotourism Development Association, believed it was fate. "My wife Lin Jinjiao is a local, so I am considered the son-in-law of Xiangong Villiage. When I returned here in 2016, the construction of the Dragon Fish Bridge had just been completed. I noticed that the open area in front of the bridge is quite beautiful and has the potential to become a tourist attraction with some transformation." Using the Dragon Fish Bridge as the backdrop, as well as the rich history and culture of the Luermen Tianhou, visitors are encouraged to explore the area longer, potentially converting them into pilgrims of the temple. Vice versa, pilgrims of the temple themselves could also become tourists. This positive loop can attract more people to visit and promote the development of the place--this was the belief of Mr. Tsai at that time.
"Two years ago, the Taijiang National Park committee issued a "Hometown Preservation Project" to promote non-intrusive lite tourism. I seized this opportunity and got the funding required to build a terrace-stage and street lights for the Dragon Fish Park. This year the installation of the streetlights, the stage itself, and the seating terrace are finished. Hopefully, this would attract more people to come here and enjoy the outdoors.”
Ms. Lin Jinjiao, who is the president of the Luermen Ecotourism Development Association, served as the Lions Club’s Environment Chairman in 2017. She initiated the "Planting Happiness" environmental protection activity, donating saplings and planting saplings in the open space in front of the Dragon Fish Bridge. Following this initial movement, some locals and temple staff began land plotting and ground leveling, which eventually led to the construction of Dragon Fish Park. Many people were doubtful at first, but Mr. Tsai persisted with passion.
Mr. Tsai said, "I’m not a local, and the people here and the temple staff were quite conservative. It seemed impossible in most people’s eyes. And in fact, the ecological fish pond was not my original idea, because aquaculture is no easy feat. Back then, lacking human resources, these fish ponds were all deserted. My major was not in aquaculture, so all I could do is to take baby steps and learn along the way, slowly establishing Mazugong-Jiukuaicuo Eco Park."
"The people here are generally more held back. When the community building activities first started, not a lot of people were that interested. Fortunately, Chen Jiaqi, the head of the humanities department of the district office, offered a helping hand. I became acquainted with her while organizing the local milkfish festival. When I held community building activities in 2018 and 2019, I devoted myself fully to the cause.” The village has a serious population outflow, contributing to the problem of an aging population, so there is a marked lack of assistance and lowered enthusiasm from the youth. Despite these dissuading factors, Mr. Tsai worked hard and refused to give up, in hopes of promoting local development and educate the public about the history, the culture, and the local industrial ecology of Luermen.
When speaking of the USR project of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Tsai said, "I am very moved and have high hopes for this USR project. There will be professional academic knowledge and resources devoted to the cause. I believe with the help of the USR project, we will be able to garner more resources to help build this community and gain traction. After all, aquaculture was never my forte, and I have little experience in community building, so I can really use the help to come up with a comprehensive proposal.”
He also mentioned, "Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the project appears to have been put on hiatus in its promotional phases." Making full use of this period of rest, he reorganized the park: designing the surrounding area of fish farms with a blue-and-white Mediterranean aesthetic, setting up ponds for ecological experiences, a platform for sun-drying fish, a bamboo raft pool, trails, two pavilions, chairs, and a restaurant/indoor activity center.
Mr. Tsai has big plans for the future. "I hope to convert part of the parking lot space near the Mazu Temple into a cultural and creative industries park with the university faculty’s manpower, professional knowledge, and other resources to further the cause of spatial revitalization and community building. Ultimately, uniting all forces to complete the vision of eco-tourism and local revitalization is also my expectation for the school’s USR project. "