Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, on July 26th, jointly organized the “Beach Cleanup and Sand Sculpting to Protect Mabi bay” event at Mabi bay Beach in Beigan. The event was held in collaboration with the Lienchiang County Environmental Resources Bureau, Beigan Township Office, Beigan Township Representatives Council, Beihai Defense Command, National Taiwan Ocean University, and the Tangqi Community Development Association. Combining coastal cleanup efforts with artistic sand creations, the event attracted nearly a hundred participants, including local residents, families, and volunteers. In response to the Executive Yuan's “Tribute to the Ocean” policy, the event demonstrated inter-agency cooperation and public-private partnership in promoting marine conservation and eco-friendly tourism. It highlighted the tangible results of joint efforts by local and central governments to protect the coastal environment.
The event began in the morning with internationally renowned sand sculptor Mr. Fang Chih-Ta leading the main sand sculpture creation. Inspired by the local culture of Matsu, his work blended regional characteristics with marine imagery to convey a message of sustainability and environmental protection. The creative process was open to the public and visitors, allowing them to observe up close and experience the charm of sand art. This engagement fostered a deeper appreciation for both artistic expression and environmental awareness.
In the afternoon, the event continued with a beach cleanup activity. Participants worked together to collect and sort marine debris, removing a significant amount of ocean waste and helping to restore the natural beauty of Mabi bay. This hands-on effort demonstrated a strong commitment to marine conservation. Following the cleanup, a family sand sculpture competition was held, drawing enthusiastic participation from many parent-child teams. Using sand and recycled marine debris, families unleashed their creativity, fostering collaboration and bonding. The activity not only encouraged intergenerational learning and environmental stewardship but also promoted the idea of a shared, eco-friendly beach space.
Director Hung Chih-Kuang of Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters stated that this event, which integrated artistic creation with environmental action, not only supported the “Tribute to the Ocean” initiative by maintaining the cleanliness of coastal recreational areas but also helped promote marine tourism in Matsu. Looking ahead, Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters will continue to build on local characteristics to deepen the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism. The goal is to encourage visitors to connect with the ocean while actively engaging in environmental protection. Director Hung expressed hope that this event would serve as a catalyst for the continued development of marine tourism alongside environmental education, ultimately establishing a sustainable tourism model that balances ecological conservation with tourism benefits.
