Gratitude to Mother Earth ALOHA! NSYSU Calls for Ecological Sustainability

On the occasion of Mother's Day, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) joined hands with the Society of Taiwan Women in Science and Technology, the Greater Kaohsiung Branch of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, the Taiwan Kaohsiung IDG Hub for SDGs, and the LomiLomi International Aroma Health Care Association to host the event "ALOHA! Celebrating Mother's Day with Gaia, Mother Earth" today (9th). Scholars, experts, artists, and musicians gathered to lead 140 participants through scientific lectures, indigenous dances, handicraft workshops, traditional chants, and sensory explorations. These diverse activities highlighted the nurturing power of Mother Earth, rekindled people's connection with her, and called for proactive actions to safeguard ecological sustainability.

Professor Chia C. Wang, Director of the Aerosol Science Research Center at NSYSU, remarked that in the face of ecological challenges such as climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss, humanity must show greater care, respect, and gratitude toward Mother Earth. She explained that the word "ALOHA" carries dual meanings: on one hand, it symbolizes the vital elements of Earth—Air, Land, Ocean, Humans, and Aerosols; on the other, it originates from the Hawaiian language, representing essential inner qualities for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): kindness (Akahai), unity (Lokahi), empathy (ʻOluʻolu), humility (Haʻahaʻa), and perseverance (Ahonui).

"Gaia is another name for Earth," Wang noted. She explained that environmental scientist James Lovelock proposed the Gaia Hypothesis, named after the ancient Greek Mother Earth goddess, to describe the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere as a single interconnected and self-regulating ecological system. In her talk, "From the Gaia Hypothesis and Global Mother Earth Cultures to Today’s Ecological Challenges," she traced the cultural roots of Earth as a mother deity across civilizations and examined the crises posed by human activities as well as possible solutions.

Wang further emphasized that breathing is not only essential for life but also a crucial mechanism connecting humans to nature. From a scientific perspective, she introduced the structure of the human lungs, the intricate molecular-level mechanism of hemoglobin transporting oxygen, the potential harm of air pollutants to biomolecules, and the influence of breathing on physical and emotional health. She encouraged participants to "breathe mindfully every day" and ensure that the air they inhale is clean and free of pollution.

NSYSU Visiting Professor Hsunling Bai stressed the importance of climate action and industry adoption of sustainable ESG practices, while also highlighting the key role of gender equality. She guided participants in free writing as a dialogue with Mother Earth and their inner selves. Min-Ching Huang, President of the LomiLomi International Aroma Health Care Association, used natural essential oils to demonstrate the close link between scent and emotion. She also shared the core spirit of ALOHA in Hawaiian indigenous culture and invited participants to don authentic hula costumes flown in from Hawaii to experience hula dancing—echoing Taiwan’s indigenous earth-honoring dances and connecting the broader Austronesian cultural traditions of revering the land.

The event opened with Paiwan artist Aluaiy KAUMAKAN and her tribe performing traditional dances and chants to honor the land, followed by the collective crafting of flower crowns symbolizing blessings. Musician Izumi also debuted her original composition, "A Song for Mother Earth," offering musical blessings to the planet.

NSYSU President Chih-Peng Li also shared the university's determination and concrete measures to serve as a hub for sustainable development and gender equality in southern Taiwan, expressing gratitude to the participants for their concern and engagement. Hsiu-Chen Hsu, President of the Greater Kaohsiung Branch of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, highlighted the pivotal role of businesswomen in driving ESG initiatives. Meanwhile, Chao-Ping Hsu, Vice President of the Taiwan Women in Science and Technology Association, spoke on breaking traditional gender stereotypes and fostering a more equitable and inclusive workplace environment.