TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency and the Saisiyat village of Penglai in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli, signed a forest cooperation MOU with Ryukoku University from Kyoto on Monday.
The agreement aims to continue exchanges and promote the dual-benefit management models in the village’s “Pakasan" forest-based economy and the university’s Ryukoku Forest, to foster ecological preservation and community economic development, according to FANCA.
FANCA Director Lin Hua-ching (林華慶) said Taiwan has relaxed forestry regulations since 2016 and shifted from conflict to cooperation with Indigenous communities to co-manage forest areas. Co-management initiatives are underway in Taitung, Pingtung, and Nantou, Lin said
Ryukoku University President Takashi Irisawa said the school integrates the Buddhist philosophy of "self-reflection and altruism" with the UN's sustainable development goals. This collaboration aims to combine tribal wisdom with academic research, providing students with a global perspective to practice harmonious coexistence with nature in both forests, Takashi said.
Saisiyat elder Gen Chih-yu (根誌優) said his ecological knowledge was passed down orally by his grandfather, who emphasized that humans and all living beings in the forest are equal members of the ecosystem. He added that taking only what is necessary ensures the sustainability of the forest and promotes respect and coexistence with nature.
