Cross-Sector Collaboration for Ecological Harmony: Ho-Ping Power Company's Little Tern Conservation

Owen Yu｜Senior Manager, Ho-Ping Power Company

In TCC's sustainability blueprint, besides developing innovative technologies for carbon reduction and green energy, we are also deeply committed to caring for the environment and society. Our journey has never been a solitary effort; it's a collaboration with all our stakeholders. This warm and determined initiative began on a gravel beach near the Hoping Power Plant, and the spotlight is on a group of delicate guests travelling all the way from Australia: the little terns.

Last June, our colleague happened to meet members of a wild bird society conducting a survey on the coastline. This chance encounter led to a surprising discovery. The beach outside the plant's breakwater and the Heping Creek estuary created a unique geographical environment. With minimal human disturbance and abundant fish resources, this area unexpectedly became an ideal breeding ground for the little tern, a Category II protected species. This gift from nature filled us with joy but also a heavy sense of responsibility.

With the risk of inadvertent trampling by fishermen and foraging threats from stray animals, simple observation and worry were not enough to protect this precious nesting ground. Therefore, we quickly launched an in-depth collaboration with the Wild Bird Society of Hualien. This was not just about sponsorship and assistance; it was a comprehensive commitment from building knowledge to implementing action.

The first step was to establish long-term, systematic survey data. By tracking the little tern's breeding status and population changes, we could analyze and understand the key factors affecting their survival. We also know that education is the cornerstone of sustainability. Only by enabling more people to understand and care for the ecosystem can we truly unleash the power of protection. With the support of resources from Ho-Ping Power Company and TCC, we collaborated with the Wild Bird Society of Hualien to design a series of activities and courses. We brought ecological conservation knowledge into local communities and nearby schools and used the "Little Tern" Cement Handicraft Workshop to let the image of the little tern enter residents' hearts through creative painting. From students to local residents and even our colleagues, all participants showed great enthusiasm and curiosity.

What was truly moving, however, was the moment when knowledge turned into action. During the activities, we guided participants in observing the little terns' parenting behavior from a distance—watching parent birds constantly wet their bodies to cool down the eggs or carry small fish to feed their chicks. These real and loving scenes were more infectious than any classroom lecture. The emotional impact planted a seed in everyone's hearts, inspiring a heartfelt commitment to conservation and prompting us to expand our influence to the entire supply chain.

We formed a "Little Tern Conservation Patrol Team" with our supplier partners. They not only help clean up beach trash but also arrange for volunteers to conduct regular patrols and kindly advise fishermen. In this process, there are always moments that are particularly touching: a village chief's call for conservation on social media, a villager reporting snakes on the beach, a colleague buying binoculars to care for birds near their home with their family, supplier patrol partners whose families and children ask about the birds every day, and even outsiders proactively contacting us to join the conservation volunteer team. There are even colleagues who care about other issues like bird window strikes.

The little tern conservation initiative has connected the goodwill and care among different stakeholders, including the company, residents, schools, suppliers, and NGOs. Ecological conservation has brought us together, turning the simple coastline next to an industrial site into a model of harmonious coexistence between people and nature. This cross-sector collaboration proves that a company's sustainability actions can extend beyond its own scope and create broader environmental awareness.

Next summer, when the little terns return, we will be here to continue protecting them and writing more warm and sustainable stories on this land together.
 

AUTHOR

Owen Yu｜Senior Manager, Sustainable Development and Communications Department, Ho-Ping Power Company

More than a sustainability manager, another identity as a nature lover is also a great fit—as the president of the SUP paddleboard club.