Budai Beach, nestled in Hemei Village, Budai Township, Chiayi County, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Through the collaborative efforts of the local community, including the Presbyterian Church, the Budai Community Development Association, and the agricultural and fishery industries, Budai Beach has been restored from a small stretch of shoreline to a flourishing coastal landscape.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this restoration project is the innovative approach taken to stabilize the sand dunes and promote the growth of vegetation. Discarded oyster sheds were ingeniously repurposed into fences, which were then used to trap and stabilize the sand. Over 17,000 plants, including Casuarina, Cajeput, Hibiscus, Barringtonia, and coconut trees, have been planted along the beach, including the trees planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the North Western Synod and the 15th anniversary of the Chiayi Presbytery.
These trees stand as a living tribute to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the community in preserving and restoring Budai Beach’s natural beauty. Furthermore, Budai Beach’s significance as the chosen site for commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Northwest Synod in 2022 further highlights its importance and the spirit of unity it represents.
The success of Budai Beach’s restoration efforts has garnered international recognition, including the “Global Top 100 Sustainable Destination Stories Award” in 2022.
以馬內利 Emmanuel