Miaoli Chuhuang Keng was the first place in Taiwan where oil was discovered. During the time of that it’s still rich in oil resource, it was even called as“ the small Hong Kong". It was a bustling village with shining black gold. As the oil was exploited, it lost its former glory. However, due to the establishment of CPC's Taiwan Oil Field Exhibition Hall (the "Hall"), the Hall and its surrounding cultural resources are gradually recognized by the public. In 2017, the Hall obtained the environmental education facility certification. The exploration and mining activities are explained in an lively and vivid manner through the interactive multi-media presentation in the hall. Combining with the older care, rural education, and the innovation and trial operation near the Hall, it has become the driving force of environmental education.
The Hall plays a promoting role in the local environmental education. A visit to the Hall can have broaden people's understanding of local cultural, historical, and environmental knowledge. Moreover, it conducts environmental education activities for rural children to advocate environmental protection idea.
In order to understand the expected social impact, CPC introduces the calculation method of the Social Return On Investment. For example, in 2020 and 2021, the calculating items include the guided tour and activities, environmental education, trainee activities, and the above items totally presented a value of 36,916,027.08. The net investment is 6,018,727, so the SROI is 6.13. This value represents a gain of 6.13 dollars against every dollar invested.
In this case, from questionnaires and interviews, it was learned that the main audiences affected by the Hall were group visitors, individual visitors, and trainees in the environmental education. The main effects on them were as below: the image of CPC was raised in their minds, they knew more about the local cultural development, and CPC was better recognized locally. It is evident that the Hall is committed to the long-term preservation and publicity of historical materials to achieve its social benefits.
I worked as a lecturer in the Hall. I keep learning every day and feel honored. That is a very great sense. I also interact with visitors, improving my expression ability and expand my knowledge.
When I conduct the course, I feel that I am the protagonist and get a lot ofpositive feedback, so I feel that my contribution is very meaningful, and I am full of fulfilment. (The interviewee: a lecturer in environmental education)
The visit to the Hall allowed me to learn more about the local literature and history of Chuhuangkeng as well as the energy industrial development. I expanded my knowledge. Furthermore, I am also aware that CPC's development and operation of the Hall have greatly enhanced its brand image. (The interviewee: a visitor)
The environmental education program in the Hall gives rural students the opportunity to receive diverse learning stimuli. In addition, the tour guiding inside and outside the buildings are very lively, helping children to understand Miaoli and coordinating with the courses in the school. I also got a lot of ideas for teaching and planning courses from this visit. (The interviewee: a rural teacher)
There are many visitors to the Hall, more than 10,000 persons in aggregate, producing a wide impact. In the future, CPC will continue to promote the Hall. In addition, CPC should consider the eco-tourism around the Hall, combining with local agriculture (such as persimmon dyeing, sericulture, economic crops visit) and social groups (such as the older, rural students) to develop some leisure activities from which people can learn. CPC will take advantage of the features of local culture and history, and look forward to serving more audience in the future, so that visitors can learn new knowledge.
With its rich collections, interactive and diverse show models, and historical background preserved environment, the Hall leads visitors into the time tunnel and on the path to looking forward to sustainable energy. The Hall is also committed to local creation & production and cultural linkages. It actively integrates with local industries (such as persimmon dyeing, sericulture field) and benefits villages (local communities and remote schools, the elderly) in order to achieve multiple goals.