Promoting Biodiversity: CTCI Group Takes Actions to Safeguard the Future of the Purple Crow Butterfly

—Jui-Yun Hsu, Engineer at Quality Management Department, ECOVE, Group Resource Cycling Business 
—Chun-Wei Chang, Assistant Chief Engineer at Quality Management Department, ECOVE, Group Resource Cycling Business 
—Chien-Long Cheng, Assistant Chief Engineer at Taoyuan Biomass Energy Center, ECOVE Environment Services Corporation, Group Resource Cycling Business

Biodiversity is fundamental to human survival and global sustainability. The essential resources and services that support daily life—including food security, stable water supply, and climate regulation—are all dependent on healthy and resilient ecosystems. This natural foundation also plays a critical role in business operations, influencing everything from raw material sourcing to the stability of supply chains.

As Taiwan’s leading EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor and one of the world’s top 100 EPC groups, CTCI Group operates across the globe and has long been committed to balancing economic development with environmental protection. In the realm of sustainable development, CTCI is an Early Adopter of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), integrating TNFD principles into its corporate governance and risk management frameworks. In terms of biodiversity, CTCI has set ambitious targets: achieving “No Net Loss” at its operating sites by 2030 and delivering a “Net Positive Impact” by 2050.

This article highlights how ECOVE Environment Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "ECOVE") of the Group Resource Cycling Business has made long-term commitments to environmental education and contributed to ecological conservation in Taiwan by protecting the migratory pathways of the Purple Crow Butterfly.

The Ecological Significance and Importance of the Purple Crow Butterfly

ECOVE, whose core business is rooted in the circular economy, operates multiple energy and resource recovery centers across Taiwan—from Keelung to Chiayi and Taitung—many of which are located along the migratory pathways of the Purple Crow Butterfly. This geographic overlap illustrates a direct intersection between corporate operations and the natural ecosystem. It deepens our understanding of corporate responsibility toward habitat preservation and raises greater awareness and reflection on biodiversity issues. Through this lens, we recognize the ecological significance of this species and the environmental messages it conveys.

Purple Crow Butterfly holds considerable ecological importance within the context of biodiversity. Its larvae exhibit oligophagy, feeding exclusively on specific host plants, while adult butterflies display distinct preferences for nectar sources. Highly sensitive to environmental changes, the species serves as an effective bioindicator for terrestrial ecosystems. It plays a critical ecological role by providing insight into the impacts of climate change and environmental pollution.

Recognizing this, ECOVE has identified the Purple Crow Butterfly as one of its key biodiversity focus species. In collaboration with the Taiwan Purple Crow Ecological Preservation Association, the Company engages in concrete conservation efforts—including habitat monitoring, pollinator-friendly planting, knowledge sharing, and ecological site design. These initiatives aim to preserve migratory corridors and improve habitat conditions, demonstrating a commitment to creating a supportive environment for these delicate, violet-winged creatures.

Four Pillars of Purple Crow Butterfly Conservation Efforts

ECOVE is deeply committed to conserving the Purple Crow Butterfly. By enhancing habitats near its operational sites, engaging in educational outreach, and strengthening external communications, every team member contributes to connecting corporate operations with ecological preservation. ECOVE’s conservation actions are structured around four key pillars:

I.Creating Eco-Friendly Habitats: Habitat Enhancement at Operational Sites
Leveraging the unique conditions of its operational facilities, ECOVE actively promotes habitat restoration initiatives. In partnership with the Taiwan Purple Crow Ecological Preservation Association—and guided by the migratory patterns and geographical distribution of the Purple Crow Butterfly—ECOVE has developed a Purple Crow Butterfly-Friendly Planting Guide. This guide, tailored to regional butterfly seasons and climate conditions across Taiwan, serves as a reference for vegetation design at operational sites and engineering projects, helping to create butterfly-friendly planting environments. Additionally, ECOVE has piloted the establishment of "Purple Crow Butterfly Rest Stations" at key locations near major migratory corridors, offering nectar-rich plants and temporary shelter for butterflies during their migration.

II.Participating in Ecological Surveys and Species Monitoring: Habitat Observation and Migration Pathway Research
At the Zhunan Protection Forest—an important breeding habitat for the 
Euploea sylvester swinhoei (double-branded crow)—near the Miaoli Resource Recovery Center operated by ECOVE, regular terrestrial vegetation health surveys are conducted to assess plant conditions. These surveys assess the condition of vegetation, with collected data provided to the Taiwan Purple Crow Ecological Preservation Association as reference for conservation planning. In addition, ECOVE participates in butterfly tagging and ecological survey programs organized by the Association, contributing to the monitoring of migratory routes and population dynamics of the butterfly species. Through these efforts, ECOVE actively engages in species movement research and biodiversity conservation.

III.Promoting Environmental Education and Digital Knowledge Sharing: Enhancing Conservation Awareness
Building on years of experience in environmental education, ECOVE has partnered with the Association to integrate Purple Crow Butterfly conservation knowledge into its environmental education system. A dedicated “Purple Crow Butterfly Environmental Education Zone” has been established near the butterfly migration corridor, featuring specially designed educational programs and seed teacher workshops. These initiatives train employees to become professional guides, enabling them to promote accurate ecological concepts to local communities and visiting groups. To further expand the reach of conservation knowledge, ECOVE has also launched a dedicated “Purple Crow Butterfly” section on its official website. This digital platform consolidates information on conservation efforts and recent initiatives, enabling broader dissemination of biodiversity values through technology.

IV.Cultivating Corporate Culture and Advancing Sustainability Communication: Strengthening Internal Alignment and Social Engagement 
Leveraging the support of its parent company, ECOVE has designated the Purple Crow Butterfly as one of the three key species of concern within the CTCI Group. Specific initiatives include organizing ecology-themed seminars and exhibitions within the Group, where experts are invited to share insights on the Purple Crow Butterfly and its related ecosystems. These activities help deepen employees’ understanding of and identification with biodiversity issues. The content of these seminars is further developed into “ESG Moment” presentations—succinct sustainability insights aligned with CTCI Group’s ESG policies—shared at the beginning of any internal meeting with five or more participants to promote ESG awareness. Additionally, the imagery of the Purple Crow Butterfly has been integrated into the Group’s corporate branding, appearing on the cover of sustainability reports, promotional materials, commemorative coasters, and informational cards, reinforcing the Group’s brand identity as one closely connected to biodiversity and sustainability.

Conclusion

Taiwan is renowned as the “Kingdom of Butterflies,” with the Purple Crow Butterfly standing out as one of its most iconic species. Through the aforementioned proactive initiatives, ECOVE demonstrates its corporate responsibility and commitment to environmental sustainability. We believe that safeguarding the continuity of species is not only a concrete response to global sustainability trends but also a vital pathway toward achieving symbiosis between business and nature.

Looking ahead, ECOVE will continue to deepen its conservation efforts by integrating engineering expertise with environmental management practices. In collaboration with various stakeholders, we aim to protect and restore the habitats of the Purple Crow Butterfly, ensuring that these graceful purple wings may soar for generations to come—serving as a living testament to the possibility of harmonious coexistence between industry and the natural world.