Incorporating local forces, the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) could turn the national parks into the nation's most cherished sustainable assets, which are passed on from generation to generation, putting down deep roots and growing ever stronger, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said at the Cabinet meeting today.
After the MOI's briefing on its accomplishments in sustainable development of national parks, the premier noted that the ecosystems in the protected areas have contributed greatly to sustaining human life and welfare as well as the sustainable development of national lands.
Mao enjoined the MOI to continue relevant conservation research, consolidate environmental education, and promote ecotourism based on the visions and objectives of conservation and sustainability, experiments and environmental education, partnerships and co-prosperity, and efficacy and innovation.
The founding of national parks began in the 1970s in response to the global trends of environmental conservation and extensive establishment of protected areas, the premier pointed out. At present Taiwan has nine national parks as well as one national nature park. A national park has several major functions, such as conservation, recreation and research. Conservation is the foremost objective of national park establishment, which aims to achieve the visions of national land preservation and security, environmental ethics and ecological aesthetics.
In order to ensure sustainable development of national parks, in recent years the MOI has proactively increased fundamental surveys and research, such as by establishing the Dongsha Atoll Research Station, conducting surveys and research of Formosan landlocked salmon and restoring their habitats, collaborating with international agencies to survey black-faced spoonbills, carrying out long-term ecological monitoring and surveys of coral reefs in the waters near Kenting, implementing cross-regional integration of Formosan sambar deer, conserving and breeding Formosan black bears, and improving the habitats of European otters.
The premier pointed out that during the establishments of national parks there had been confrontations and frictions with the local inhabitants, but gradually partnerships of co-existence and co-prosperity have been developed with the areas' residents. Such efforts are worthy of commendation, Mao noted. The MOI added that it will continue to consolidate relationships with these residents and enhance the participation of communities and social groups.