Perceptions Of Offshore Wind Farms And Community Development: Case Study Of Fangyuan Township, Chunghua County, Taiwan

Abstract

Surrounded by the ocean, Taiwan has many rich marine cultural resources that have benefited its coastal communities and led to the development of diverse traditional marine industries. A typical example is the unique tradition of Sea Buffalos Working in the Oyster Field, which has been practiced for over a century in Fangyuan Township of Changhua County. The cultural landscape of buffalos and workers cultivating oyster fields has been recognized as a precious cultural heritage by both local and international parties. However, Fangyuan Township is facing a turning point due to the installation of offshore wind turbines. Development-promoting public agencies and the private sectors are both in need of a new vision of communities in which a viable combination of new, green-energy-based industries and traditional, culture-based industries is allowed to take shape. With that in mind, we reviewed several other localities' experience of green-energy development and its effect on the community. We also analyzed how traditional cultural properties have been incorporated into the tourism industry in Fangyuan Township while also investigating the potential impact of the development of offshore wind farms (OWF) on traditional oyster cultivation there. A series of interviews and meetings with key stakeholders were held to examine, from different points of view, the benefits offered to the community by OWF developers and governmental decision-makers. Our normative case of Fangyuan for providing community benefits by reviving the local culture and encouraging tourism based on both traditional activities and OWF appeared to be received favorably by all involved.