TSMC Becomes the First Semiconductor Company in Taiwan to Receive "Other Effective Conservation Measures" Certification, Creating a New Paradigm for Green Facilities

Acting on the principles of its "Biodiversity Statement", TSMC dedicates itself to biodiversity protection through its "Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program." Following the successful restoration of the endangered squalidus banarescui fish within its fab premises in 2025 – a first for a Taiwan company – TSMC launched " Leopard Cat Friendly Day" in 2026. In addition, Fab 15A was among the first batch of applicants to receive Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECM) certification from the Ministry of Agriculture's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. This achievement makes TSMC the first semiconductor company in Taiwan to gain this certification, underscoring the company’s commitment to green manufacturing and harmonious coexistence with habitat ecosystems. To further encourage the cultivation of ecological talent, TSMC also added an "In-depth Cultivation Award" to its second "TSMC Biodiversity Scholarship and Proposal Grant" program, expanding conservation capability across industry, government, academia, and research. To celebrate the second anniversary of the "Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program" as well as International Biodiversity Day, TSMC held a "Eco Decode Biodiversity Power Up!" event on May 22, 2026, rallying 309 employees and partners to join ecological volunteer efforts and protect biodiversity together.

Since the launch of the "Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program" in 2024, TSMC has continually promoted biodiversity conservation in three areas: Habitat, Species, and Knowledge. In habitat and species conservation, the company focuses on six endangered animals: the eastern grass owl, the squalidus banarescui fish, the ring-necked pheasant, the leopard cat, the pangolin, and the yellow pond turtle. TSMC has guided farmers in applying for the "leopard cat-friendly" agricultural label, accumulating an area of 5.8 hectares. Starting in February 2026, the Company hosts a monthly "Leopard Cat Friendly Day," inviting certified farmers to Fab 15A to sell agricultural products to its employees, actively supporting the sustainable transformation of agriculture. At the same time, building upon the ecological creation achievements at Fab 15A , TSMC has established stable environmental management and monitoring mechanisms that meet the OECM certification standards of the Ministry of Agriculture's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. This includes biodiversity value items such as existing/potential habitats for rare flora and fauna, critical species habitats, and areas with ecological connectivity or buffer functions. The Company successfully obtained this certification in March 2026, creating a green facility where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

For knowledge empowerment, TSMC collaborated with the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation to expand the eBird Taiwan bird database. This collaboration resulted in the completion of 40.9% of the survey areas for the Taiwan Bird Atlas Project, the addition of 98 new bird species identifications to the Merlin app , and the training of 1,036 bird survey volunteers. TSMC promoted citizen scientist training by connecting with the Ministry of Education and the iNaturalist platform, mobilizing 491 schools and 4,914 users to participate in ecological surveys, integrating nature conservation and the scientific spirit into the education system. Furthermore, TSMC offered its second "TSMC Biodiversity Scholarship and Proposal Grant" in 2026, introducing the new "In-depth Cultivation Award" to help non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and other groups to take action on conservation, encouraging more innovative solutions. An "TSMC International Biodiversity Forum and Award Ceremony" is also scheduled for October, inviting experts and scholars in the ecological field for cross-disciplinary exchange and laying the foundation for mainstreaming biodiversity.

To enhance employees' understanding of biodiversity conservation, activities marking the second anniversary of the "Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program" were held concurrently across Miaoli, Taichung, and Tainan for the first time, centering on habitat restoration and citizen science. For habitat restoration, the "Dance of the Butterfly" event in Miaoli provided a clean and safe habitat for purple crow butterflies by clearing the environment and restoring plants. In Taichung, a "Path for Wildlife" event promoted leopard cat-friendly farming practices, creating an environment where humans, animals, and plants can coexist. Finally, an "Echoes of the Wetlands" event in Tainan used water chestnut cultivation to restore a critical crop for water pheasant habitats.  

For the citizen science component, TSMC collaborated with the Biodiversity Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation. Employees were educated on how to use the Merlin app and the iNaturalist platform to record birdsongs, take ecological photos, and upload data, gaining a deeper understanding of habitat ecology. As an incentive to inspire employees' passion for ecological protection, specially made "harmony soap" in the design of six low-altitude species—eastern grass owl, squalidus banarescui, ring-necked pheasant, leopard cat, pangolin, and yellow pond turtle—were infused with cogongrass extract. Additionally, "TSMC Honey" produced by restored bee populations in TSMC fab areas was offered as a reward. In total, 2,500 ecological data entries were recorded, contributing to Taiwan's biodiversity conservation efforts.

TSMC leverages the "Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program" as a crucial platform for collaborating with industry, government, academia, and research institutions to promote environmental sustainability. The Company is dedicated to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 15, "protect and restore sustainable use of ecosystems, ensure biodiversity." Starting with its own operations, TSMC values every opportunity for taking ecological action and, in the spirit of SDG 17, "strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development," continues to bring together stakeholders to explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. With the belief that "We only have One Earth," TSMC collaborates to achieve its vision of ecological sustainability.

• What is Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program? 

TSMC is committed to creating a balance between technology and ecology and strives to foster environmental sustainability. To maintain the sustainability of ecosystem and deepen biodiversity conservation, TSMC has partnered with the Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute of Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan Wild Bird Federation, and Observer Ecological Consultant Co., Ltd. to launch the "Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program" on International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2024. The program focuses on three aspects-habitat, species, and knowledge, and facilitates seven actions for biodiversity conservation and promotion. It is expected to complete the construction of one ecological corridor, the management of two Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs), the conservation of six endangered species by 2030. In addition, 96 potential talents and 36 important ecological research projects will be supported through the biodiversity awards. Alongside efforts to promote the eBird Taiwan database and iNaturalist, fostering citizen science participation to implement the "Biodiversity Statement" of TSMC.

• What is OECM (Other Effective Conservation Measures)?

A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values.

• What is United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 15?

The 17 goals set forth by the United Nations urge collaborative efforts from governments, industries, and academia worldwide to achieve sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions by the year 2030. SDGs 15 focuses on "protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss."

• What is United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 17?

The 17 goals set forth by the United Nations urge collaborative efforts from governments, industries, and academia worldwide to achieve sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions by the year 2030. SDGs 17 focuses on "strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development."