NTNU Sustainable Development Goal 15
SDG15 Life On Land
The university’s transnational research on the endangered Eurasian otters in Kinmen has revealed that the population possesses distinct and unique characteristics.
Professor Shou-Hsien Li from the Department of Life Science participated in an international research team and discovered that the endangered Eurasian otters found in Kinmen represent one of the three genetically distinct populations across the Eurasian continent. Among these three populations, one is located in northern Eurasia, while the other two are in southern East Asia—specifically South China and Kinmen. These populations are differentiated both genetically and geographically and therefore should be treated as separate conservation management units.
Although the Kinmen population occupies a relatively small distribution range, its level of genetic diversity is comparable to that of the other two populations, showing no signs of genetic bottlenecking or inbreeding depression typically associated with small populations. Given its unique genetic characteristics, introducing individuals from other populations to increase population size would not be appropriate.
The findings of this study were published in the international journal Evolutionary Applications, and the research will serve as an important scientific basis for advancing the conservation of Eurasian otters in Kinmen.
Otter Confronting a Wild Bird (Photo credit: Kinmen County Government)
Wild Wetlands documentary preserves Taiwan’s precious wetland imagery and has received international awards and recognition.
The documentary Wild Wetlands was produced in 2023 with funding from the National Science and Technology Council and created by Director Fang Wei-Ta, Director of the Graduate Institute of Sustainability Management and Environmental Education at NTNU. Director Feng Chen-Long spent ten years filming wetland ecosystems, documenting stories of interactions between humans and wildlife across Taiwan’s expansive wetlands—from high mountains to the ocean.
The English promotional trailer was screened at the 2023 Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) Annual Meeting in the United States and at the 2023 SWS Asia Chapter Meeting in Korea. Narrated by BBC journalist Richard O’Connor, the film received the Best of Best Award, jointly presented by the Ramsar Regional Center–East Asia and the Society of Wetland Scientists Asia Chapter, marking a significant international recognition.
The ecological documentary Wild Wetlands, produced by NTNU with support from the National Science and Technology Council, received the “Best of Best Award” from international wetland organizations. Director Feng Chen-Long (left) accepted the award on behalf of the production team. (Photo by Yi-Te Chiang, alumnus of the Graduate Institute of Sustainability)
The documentary Wild Wetlands features numerous rare and protected species from Taiwan (top: crab-eating mongoose; bottom: yellow-throated marten).
The Magnificent Earth: Nature’s Gift presents the beauty of ecology through art.
As part of the 2024 Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) Annual Meeting in Taipei, the exhibition The Magnificent Earth: Nature’s Gift — A Joint Exhibition by Huang Su-Mei and Yuan Chin-Ta opened in November on the third floor of the NTNU Art Museum. The exhibition invites visitors to closely observe the rare and exotic birds depicted by Huang Su-Mei (1939–2021) and to experience the ecological concerns embodied in the conceptual installations of Professor Emeritus Yuan Chin-Ta from NTNU’s Department of Fine Arts, revealing the deep connections these artists share with the land.
Through exquisite ink paintings and mixed-media artworks, the exhibition allows audiences to appreciate the beauty of the environment while gaining a deeper understanding of the key roles played by ecosystems.
The Magnificent Earth: Nature’s Gift — Joint Exhibition by Huang Su-Mei and Yuan Chin-Ta
Family Affection, ink painting, 175 × 90 cm, 2012.
Watershed Restoration — Students visit satoyama environments to engage in sustainability education through hands-on learning in natural settings.
Students experiencing tea picking.
In November, NTNU’s Office of International Affairs and the CDIB Education and Cultural Foundation organized the “Exploring Watershed Guardianship Journey”—a place-based international exchange activity—held in Pinglin District, New Taipei City. Guided by the local brand Taiwan Blue Magpie Tea, the event attracted 30 NTNU students. Centered on the theme of “watershed restoration,” the activity promoted pesticide-free tea farming practices and encouraged farmers within the catchment area to transform into satoyama guardians.
Beyond deepening both local and international students’ understanding of Taiwan’s conservation efforts and place-based revitalization, the program also supported local revitalization teams in advancing environmentally symbiotic support systems. The initiative reflects NTNU’s commitment to environmental action and to the practice of sustainability education.