Our Focuses｜Nature-based Solutions｜Biodiversity
Nature-based Solutions
To achieve net-zero targets, Winbond has begun researching strategies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Scientists have discovered that capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is essential for reaching net-zero emissions. It can be stored through means such as in soils, the ocean, and rocks. Winbond has been researching nature-based solutions and, through industry-university collaboration and tripartite collaboration between industry, government, and academia, we have implemented tree planting and adoption, invested in blue carbon projects, and engaged in conservation and breeding of tree species. These approaches contribute to the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while protecting biodiversity.
Total Voluntary Carbon Credits Acquired Covering 16 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
13,500
tCO₂e
Taiwan's Largest Theaceae Living Germplasm Bank Conserving
38
Native Plant Species
Protecting Biodiversity
Winbond is committed to protecting biodiversity, recognizing it as a key element of sustainable development. The Chairman has signed the “Winbond Biodiversity Commitment,” pledging to reduce environmental impacts from operations and the value chain, achieve net positive impact and net-zero deforestation, and safeguard ecosystem integrity.
Winbond has adopted the LEAP methodology from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to assess the dependencies and impacts of its operational sites on nature. Through systematic analysis, we identify nature-related risks and opportunities and integrate them into our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework to enhance risk control, ensure operational stability, and protect stakeholders’ interests.
We actively mitigate biodiversity loss through green manufacturing, afforestation, sustainable supply chain collaboration, and research on natural carbon sinks. Environmental education is also emphasized to raise public awareness of ecological protection.
Theaceae Species Conservation and Breeding Program
In 2021, Winbond consolidated group resources to launch the Baoshan Park Conservation and Breeding Program, selecting Theaceae plants (in a broad sense) to collect and propagate germplasm native to Taiwan. Theaceae species are key components of evergreen broad-leaved forests. Beyond habitat loss driven by land development, certain Theaceae species face critical pressures due to their high commercial value. For instance, Camellia japonica was historically subjected to illegal harvesting for use as grafting rootstock or ornamental plants; native Camellia sinensis f. formosensis has suffered from illicit harvesting, pollarding, and dwarfing for high-value tea harvesting; and the introduction of alien tea varieties for cross-breeding driven by commercial tea and oil demand has disrupted native wild genetic purity. Given that Theaceae species grow slowly and recover poorly from degradation, these activities have severely impacted native wild populations.
Guided by the commitment to "Protect Taiwan’s Native Flora and Preserve Camellia Germplasm," Winbond partnered with National Chung Hsing University through Walton Advanced Engineering. Targeting three core pillars—species conservation and breeding, ecological education, and sustainable forestry—the initiative aims to safeguard a forested sanctuary rich in conservation, educational, and cultural value amidst rapid socio-economic expansion. Taiwan is home to 42 Theaceae species; by 2025, 38 species had been collected and cultivated, including 1 Critically Endangered (CR), 1 Endangered (EN), 7 Vulnerable (VU), and 5 Near Threatened (NT) species as assessed in the Red List.
Endangered Wild Plant 'Spiranthes' Discovered!
Taiwan's Smallest Native Plain Orchid
Spiranthes spp., once a thriving and abundant plant on the plains of Taiwan (as depicted in Figure 10), has experienced a significant reduction in its habitat in recent years due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and the decline of native green spaces on the plains. This has resulted in its inclusion in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The green spaces at Winbond's CTSP Fab and Tainan building, which were free of pesticides, were found to be suitable habitats for the expansion of Spiranthes populations. To conserve Spiranthes populations, Winbond postponed weeding during the plant's flowering and fruiting period, allowing it to reproduce naturally. After the flowering period, maintenance was performed on the greenway to ensure that Spiranthes had the opportunity to continue reproducing through rhizomes and seeds. Wild plants are an essential component of biodiversity. We educated our colleagues on the importance of conserving wild plants and encouraged them to join this initiative. Conservation is urgent. Winbond is committed to preserving Taiwan’s biodiversity and ecology by protecting endangered wild plants and contributing to the conservation of this land.
Creating ecological landscapes with native plants
Winbond selected 20 native Taiwanese plant species to create a native wildflower garden in Zhubei Building, including 1 species assessed as critically endangered in the Red Book, 3 species as endangered, and 3 species as vulnerable. Based on the concept of Wild Gardening, the garden used 20 native Taiwanese species to create an ecological landscape within approximately 1.6 ping of green space, forming a small patch of native plant ecology in an urban setting.
At the CTSP Fab, greening was planned with species suitable for the central Taiwan low-mountain forest zone, with 149 plants already planted. This included 3 critically endangered species (3 plants), 3 vulnerable species (27 plants), 5 near-threatened species (53 plants), and 14 other endemic species (66 plants). Through biodiversity restoration, ex situ conservation of disappearing rare plants was integrated into the fab’s green landscape, preserving native Taiwanese plant germplasm on site and creating ecological stepping stones within the Central Taiwan Science Park through small green patches. In 2025, an additional 17 native species and 484 native seedlings were planted (including 22 critically endangered, 55 endangered, and 16 vulnerable plants).
The Reborn of Butterfly – Protect the beautiful home of the great purple butterfly
The Sasakia charonda formosana, classified as an endangered wild animal under wildlife conservation regulations, is assessed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. It is only found in the mountainous areas of Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, and Fuxing Township, Taoyuan County. During its life cycle, the butterfly lays eggs on the branches or leaves of Quercus glauca. After hatching, the larvae move to the leaf litter under the trees to overwinter. Currently, its habitat has shrunk, and the number of mature Quercus glauca trees has decreased, directly affecting the population of Sasakia charonda formosana.
Nuvoton, a subsidiary, and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture (FANCA) have planned this project in collaboration with the Bailan Tribe of Wufeng Township. Using remote sensing technology, they record the distribution and phenology of Quercus glauca, with regular maintenance by the community patrol team. This establishes a long-term monitoring database for use in ecological tours and appropriately develops ecotourism routes. Nuvoton combines technology to conserve precious species, uniting local tribes to protect their homeland, and hopes to raise awareness through environmental education, promoting the ideal blueprint for sustainable urban and rural development.
Ophioglossum petiolatum
Ophioglossum petiolatum* (stalked adder's-tongue) is a rare native fern species in the lowlands of Taiwan. In recent years, suitable habitats for its growth have increasingly diminished due to urban development, frequent lawn maintenance, and herbicide use. Because herbicides have never been applied to the green spaces around Winbond’s Zhubei Building, a naturally established population of *Ophioglossum petiolatum* was discovered, demonstrating that the site provides favorable and stable microhabitat conditions.
To ensure the continuity of this *Ophioglossum petiolatum* population, Winbond adjusted its landscape maintenance practices during the plant's growing season by suspending mowing and completely prohibiting chemical agents. These measures minimize anthropogenic disturbance and provide the necessary conditions for the species to complete its life cycle and reproduce naturally.
Wild flora forms not only the foundational bedrock of biodiversity but also serves as an essential medium for environmental education. Through native plant conservation and eco-friendly landscape management, Winbond aims to foster understanding and respect for natural ecosystems among employees and visitors alike. By transforming green spaces into environmental education hubs that integrate conservation, learning, and hands-on experiences, Winbond seeks to advance urban ecological sustainability and contribute to the preservation of Taiwan's biodiversity.