Wetland has various functions. It is like a giant sponge that has the ability to absorb and store excess water. When there is a deficiency in land moisture, wetland also has the ability to release water to land. Other functions include regulating torrents, conserving and purifying water quality. In nature, wetland has rich water resources, abundant nutrition and a diverse matrix, which is a suitable habitat for countless species with ecological diversity. Wetland is also an important habitat for birds, Birds are a key factor to wetland’s biological chain. However, the gradual disappearance of the wetland has left the birds without a place to stay.

The conservation of wetland and its ecological environment requires extensive time and care. SOW adopted the Wugu Wetland in 2004, and leased the Shuanglianpi Ecological Classroom – Aquatic Plant Paradise from Yilan County. SOW currently has two petitions going on its official website – “Rescuing Yilan’s 52-Jia Wetland” and “No to Zhiben Solar Panels, Yes to Conservation of Zhiben Wetland”. In addition to its effective and actively organizing various actions and initiatives, as well as continuation of ecological surveys and environmental monitoring, SOW has also successfully invited government, corporations, and academic institutions to conduct prospective study on conservation plans. For example, the collaboration with New Taipei City Government’s High Riverbank Construction Management Office in the construction of Wugu Wetland Eco-Park is a very successful case.

Wetland ecosystem’s biological production is as rich as rainforest in the entire planet. Wetland, forest, and ocean are the three largest ecosystems on earth. Wetland covers areas such as estuary, beaches, lakes, mangrove swamps, and ponds. For economic development, humans have been reclaiming land from the sea, building harbors and ports, dumping waste by the riverside, mining gravel illegally, and pumping groundwater etc. These activities have produced excess waste and pollution that have accelerated coastal erosion, causing the gradual disappearance of wetlands. As wetland is an important habitat for various aquatic birds that are vital to the ecosystem, the destruction of wetland has left the birds without a place to stay, which will ultimately impact the ecosystem.

SOW organizes weekly wetland ecological tours throughout Taiwan It also conducts monthly ecological investigation and annual swallow observation activity. Wugu Wetland is adopted by SOW. It had an area of 8.6 km² 25 years ago. However, due to environmental changes and destruction, Wugu Wetland’s area has shrunk to less than 2 km², but still preserving its functions. After putting effort in wetland conservation, a follow-up survey had discovered that there were over 100 bird species that visited the Wugu Wetland. This success had increased SOW volunteers’ motivation and gave positive expectation to restoring more wetlands.

SOW’s core mission is to preserve nature’s ecosystems through habitat conservation and participation in environmental issues. Its most important mission is to figure out a way to convince people to love and cherish the environment and convert their good impression on the beautiful nature into environmental protection actions. SOW is still committing to the mission. The participation in SOW activities allows everyone to get closer to nature. SOW’s works on wetland ecosystem are as listed below:

• Periodic ecological survey, habitat maintenance for breeding birds, conservation strategy for endangered species
  
• Ecological and habitat restoration of eco-park, eco-pond and canal-side park
  
• Cooperation with corporations to promote eco-friendly farming to reduce eutrophication and biohazard.
  
• Actively promoting participation of the general public. For examples: Field Experience, organic food and farming activities, and ecological tours, etc.
  
• Promote volunteer service, through tours and seminars to raise people’s awareness on the concept of wetland conservation.