In remarks following a briefing on national spatial planning, Premier Lin Chuan said that since taking office in May 2016, the administration has been working to improve Taiwan's land utilization and planning.
Among its efforts, the administration has drafted an integrated coastal zone management plan in accordance with the Coastal Zone Management Act, and a national wetland conservation guide in accordance with the Wetland Conservation Act. These two plans will help promote the sustainable use of coastal zones and wetlands. A "national spatial plan" is also being formulated under the Spatial Planning Act, along with spatial plans for local municipalities, counties and cities. These plans must be gradually implemented to improve land utilization and planning, the premier said.
To ensure comprehensive planning, the national spatial plan will also include all major national projects in the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program that involve spatial planning and land use, he said.
The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) reported several achievements from the past year: A revised national regional plan was announced, including new control measures for environmentally sensitive land areas. A review was conducted on non-urban land development evaluation procedures, making ore mining permit rules more reasonable and setting guidelines on solar power facility installations. The MOI designated the nation's coastal zones, and announced the integrated coastal zone management plan and two coastal zone protection projects. The ministry also set up the national wetland conservation guide and a "wetlands of importance" conservation and utilization project.
The national spatial plan will be completed soon, with a public hearing and exhibition scheduled for September, the MOI said. Thereafter, the ministry's spatial planning committee will review the plan and report its findings to the Executive Yuan by next January or February. The plan is expected to be announced and implemented by May 1, 2018.