The Republic of China is about to enter its 100th year and every central government agency is carefully planning various related activities. For its part the Construction & Planning Agency plans activities to introduce the beautiful nature and culture of Taiwan’s national parks, their spectacular mountain and river scenery, flora and fauna and encourage the public to cherish Taiwan’s precious natural resources.

At present Taiwan has eight national parks containing, beautiful natural scenery, pristine ocean areas, rich flora and fauna, various special landforms and precious resources. In the future it is hoped that more of Taiwan’s beautiful places will be protected by being made part of a national park. Seven special activities have been arranged this year by Taiwan’s national parks to celebrate the 100th year of the ROC. In terms of outdoor activities the“Seven peaks”climbing activity, the “Four seasons international marathon” from Kending to Taroko will be held and there will be the “Mass 1,000 100th anniversary bicycle ride” in which a large number of people will cycle the length of Taiwan. As for indoor activities, there will be the “Explore Taiwan” environmental education activity series, the “National park Show,” “Sale of national park publications,” and the “National park forum—World café” in which private groups, scholars and overseas foreign experts will be invited to discuss conservation and natural environment management.

Taiwan’s aborigines are the jewels of the land. Most of the national parks have aborigines living within their boundaries, coexisting with the natural environment. To reflect this, the press conference for the national parks’ celebration of 100 years of the ROC will include performances by a Taroko, a Bunun and a Zou tribe musician, their clear voices and special instruments creating the “sound of the mountains and rhythms of the sea.” The audience will be treated to a national park musical banquet and a refreshing a spiritual spa”. Yushan Bunun elders will also hold a traditional prayer ceremony for the activity series in which a crown will be placed on the heads of the activity series leaders, representing prayers for the success of the series and wishing for peace and prosperity.

Taiwan’s eight national parks have an area that covers 8.5% of Taiwan’s total land area. Each park has its own distinctive features and countless beautiful scenes as well as fascinating and charming culture. Every park headquarters is very carefully managed. The aim of the promotion of the main themes of these ROC anniversary activities “conservation” and “environmental sustainability” is to give more people the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Taiwan’s national parks and, together, create a sustainable future for the parks.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：CPAMI