Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) held the 2025 Third USR Environmental Sustainability Forum on September 18, centered on the theme “Rooted in the Local Community, Connected for Sustainability.” The event brought together representatives from the New Taipei City Government, the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and its river branch offices, environmental NGOs, corporate partners, and local schools.Participants focused on waste management in the Tamsui River Basin, discussing topics such as river and marine waste surveys, coastal environmental education, and strategies for environmental improvement.

　　In his opening remarks, President Thu-Hua Liu emphasized that Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) has long integrated the University Social Responsibility (USR) program with the efforts of government agencies and NGOs to promote a long-term monitoring mechanism for the Tamsui River Health Index. Through these initiatives, the university not only serves as a local think tank but also acts as a driving force for ecological conservation.

　　President Liu highlighted that MCUT will continue to lead faculty and students into local communities and river basins, leveraging scientific data, educational outreach, and cross-sector collaboration to raise public awareness and strengthen society’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

　　The forum brought together representatives from various sectors to share their experiences and perspectives. The Society of Wilderness emphasized that rivers are the primary source of marine debris, and that only by investigating and intercepting waste at its origin can the burden on the oceans be effectively reduced. The organization also commended Ming Chi University of Technology for actively engaging students in river basin surveys.

　　The New Taipei City Environmental Protection Department highlighted the city government’s long-term efforts in riverbank restoration and hotspot waste management, and expressed its commitment to continuing collaboration with universities and local communities to further enhance the effectiveness of environmental governance.From the industry perspective, representatives from Formosa Plastics Group and Nanya Technology Corporation shared how their companies fulfill their environmental responsibilities—from resource investment to employee engagement—demonstrating a strong corporate commitment to environmental education and river conservation.On the academic front, representatives from Taipei University of Marine Technology and local secondary schools noted that river waste surveys require both scientific research and education to work hand in hand. Through inter-school collaboration, they aim to enhance students’ environmental awareness and encourage active social participation.

　　During the forum, the Taiwan Blue Ocean Alliance showcased its self-developed “Blue Guardian” vessel, designed to efficiently remove floating debris from harbor waters, and called on more corporations and citizens to support NGO-led environmental initiatives. Meanwhile, Wugu Junior High School shared its experiences in promoting environmental education within the campus and local community, highlighting the crucial role of secondary education in cultivating future environmental stewards.

　　Ming Chi University of Technology has long undertaken the Ministry of Education’s University Social Responsibility (USR) Program, continuously promoting cross-sector and cross-basin collaboration to transform academic expertise into local action.This year’s Environmental Sustainability Forum not only serves as an important platform for river conservation in northern Taiwan, but also aspires to become a national model for inter-basin USR collaboration. Through strengthened public–private partnerships, the university aims to contribute to the long-term protection of the Tamsui River and the sustainable future of Taiwan’s environment.

　　Image (No. 1) Description: President Thu-Hua Liu of Ming Chi University of Technology (left), Chief Secretary Ming-Chih Hsu of the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Department, and Marine Project Manager Hsiao-Chun Hsu of the Society of Wilderness exchange views on promoting environmental sustainability at the “2025 Third USR Environmental Sustainability Forum.”

　　Image (No. 2) Description: Ming Chi University of Technology’s “2025 Third USR Environmental Sustainability Forum.” Guests at the opening ceremony included President Thu-Hua Liu of Ming Chi University of Technology; Ming-Chih Hsu, Chief Secretary of the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Department; Hsiao-Chun Hsu, Marine Project Manager of the Society of Wilderness; Ssu-Ying Chen, Executive Director of the Taiwan Blue Ocean Alliance; Hsin-Chieh Chiang, Associate Professor at Taipei University of Marine Technology; Yi-Chun Liu, Director of Wugu Junior High School; Chi-Chu Chang, Manager of the Employee Relations Division, Human Resources Department at Nanya Technology Corporation; and David Yeh, Administrator at Formosa Plastics Group Head Office.

中文：明志科大舉辦「2025第三屆USR環境永續論壇」 攜手產官學研與NGO守護淡水河流域
This article will be simultaneously published in the SDGs E-paper.