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Sponsored and supported by the Wistron Foundation and executed by WildViewTaiwan, the "Hualien-Taitung Eco-Environmental Education Initiative" project hosted a total of 40 ecological documentary screenings and post-screening discussions between February and June this year. The initiative successfully drew 1,829 participants of all ages, bringing international-caliber nature films and professional commentary to the Hualien and Taitung regions, while inspiring more local residents—especially the younger generation—to understand environmental issues and contemplate the vital importance of coexisting with nature.
Deepening Campus and Community Outreach, Amplifying Eco-Education Impact
Featuring 16 selected films from the UK’s Wildscreen Festival—widely recognized as the "Green Oscars"—this initiative expanded its outreach to the Hualien and Taitung regions. Screenings were held at diverse venues, including universities, remote elementary schools, the East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Headquarter, the Society of Wilderness Taitung Branch, and local independent bookstores. Notably, three-quarters of these sessions took place on school campuses, drawing a cumulative attendance of 1,539 students. For the relatively resource-strapped Hualien and Taitung areas, this arrangement not only granted children the opportunity to enjoy world-class documentaries but also delivered systematic environmental education guided by 16 ecological experts. This distinguished lineup included whale and dolphin photographer Ray Chin, ecological author Wei-Cheng Yang, President of the Society of Wilderness Taitung Branch Hsiu-Fong Yang, Cetacean Conservation Research Manager of the Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation Hsin-Yi Yu, and Good For Kid Book Store owner Wei-Ren Lai. The children's focused gazes, paired with the delightfully innocent yet thoughtful illustrations and reflections on their worksheets, beautifully showcased their keen observation and imagination. Furthermore, the enthusiastic classroom discussions made it clear that the seeds of conservation awareness have successfully begun to sprout.
Inspiring Reflection on Life and Driving Practical Action
In their feedback, many students shared that the animal behaviors, polar landscapes, and forest scenes captured on camera were incredibly authentic and moving, conveying a profound sense of presence and wonder. However, as the narratives exposed the destruction wrought by human activity, a collective sense of heaviness and sorrow emerged. Participants were shocked and heartbroken by pressing issues like climate change, plastic waste, habitat loss, and endangered species. Following the event, students from National Dong Hwa University gained a clearer understanding of the link between climate change and wildlife survival, committing to bring sustainability awareness back to their camps and campuses to inspire their peers. These sincere reflections demonstrate that the initiative went far beyond a simple film screening, successfully inspiring real-world agency and action among the younger generation.
WildViewTaiwan stated, "None of this would have been possible without the support of the Wistron Foundation, alongside the passionate dedication of the participating schools, institutions, organizations, and speakers." The Wistron Foundation has long been dedicated to fostering harmony between humanity and nature, actively supporting a wide range of environmental education initiatives. This project perfectly demonstrated the profound value of visual education. By bringing world-class documentaries to the Hualien and Taitung regions, it not only gave children in remote areas a window into the global natural environment but also cultivated ecological understanding and active engagement within local communities.
Whale and dolphin photographer Ray Chin (front row, third from right) serving as the guest speaker for the post-screening talk at National Dong Hwa University.