OAC Organizes "New Horizon of Blue: Ocean and Net-Zero from the Perspective of Just Transition" Forum and Performance to Promote Societal Dialogue

Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) hosted the "New Horizon of Blue: Ocean and Net-Zero from the Perspective of Just Transition" forum and the "Negotiating Just Transition in Ocean and Net-Zero" theatrical performance from November 4th to 5th, 2023. From a marine perspective, it aims to explore the negotiation path for a mutually beneficial and sustainable net-zero transformation of the environment, society, and economy.

The event covers ocean-related fields, blue carbon, coastal communities, and net-zero just transition, inviting representatives from stakeholders and academia. Forum topics include the association between renewable energy development and the industry and life of coastal communities, exploring the interaction between residents and the marine environment. The theater focuses on "Offshore Wind Farm," combining art and social science research to showcase, in a public performance, how consensus is achieved among different groups and perspectives, ensuring fairness.

Wen-Ling Hong, Deputy Minister of the OAC, emphasized the commitment to a just transition toward net zero, integrating academic resources and local connections. The council applies academic knowledge practically, understanding local situations, discovering potential stakeholders, and bringing them into theater and forum discussions, consistently engaging and promoting marine and net-zero issues.

(Left) Wen-Ling Hong, Deputy Minister of the OAC
(Right) Chih-Yuan Yang, Assistant Professor, College of Innovation and International Programs, National Chengchi University

Wen-Ling Hong stresses that the shift towards achieving net-zero emissions will have a significant impact on the current economic structures and society's distribution. Therefore, it is essential to establish a fair and just transition mechanism that balances policy objectives, considers interests inclusively, and ensures social distribution is equitable. This is crucial for public authorities to advocate relevant policies to protect the rights of all stakeholders comprehensively.

Organized by the National Development Center (NDC), Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), National Ocean University, National Chengchi University, National Changhua University of Education, and bilingual media《EnergyOMNI Media》, several community workshops were held in Changhua, Pingtung, Penghu, etc. Through exchanges with local residents and net-zero transition enthusiasts, discussions were conducted on net-zero transition, renewable energy, blue carbon, and other topics.

(Left) Hsiao-Chun Tseng, Associate Professor, Institute of Marine Environmental and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University
(Right) Pei-Wen Lu, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, National Changhua University of Education

During the preparation stage of the theatrical performance, public lectures, field visits, stakeholder interviews, and the compilation of research results were conducted. Students and citizen actors were trained to explore the connections between different roles and understand the roles and positions of various stakeholders. After the event,《EnergyOMNI Media》produced forum special reports video with English-Chinese subtitles, utilizing online platforms for dissemination. The theatrical performance will also be produced as a documentary to enhance its subsequent impact.

Over the 2 days event, the theatrical performance "Offshore Wind Farm" delved into issues such as ecological conservation, fisheries resources, and local visions related to wind power projects. Students and citizen actors portrayed different stakeholders, presenting authentic dialogues on real issues, engaging in informal negotiations with the audience, seeking alliances, and jointly exploring future possibilities. Simultaneously, the event attracted scholars, students, NGOs, and citizens concerned about ocean, coastal community development, and blue carbon issues. Through issue inventory and negotiation dialogues, discussions were conducted on the potential just transition issues facing coastal community development in renewable energy, proposing solutions for mutual prosperity and coexistence.

Related news:

New Horizon of Blue: Ocean and Net-Zero from the Perspective of Just Transition

Highlights of "Negotiation Theatre of Offshore Wind Farm" Documentary