202506/05
After access to the mountains and forests was opened to the public, the number of hikers has increased year by year, while the number of mountain accidents has also been on the rise. Targeting the most common types of accidents, such as getting lost or getting injured, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) has completed the installation of 3,420 simple road signs and 1,381 mobile phone communication points. These measures will comprehensively improve the capacity of hiking safety information and createestablish a mountain safety network.
The FANCA stated that Taiwan has a vast area of mountains and forests, and improving hiking safety requires joint efforts from the government and the public. The FANCA has worked together with the National Communications Commission (NCC), the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and private telecommunications companies to take stock of popular hiking routes and improve the quality of communication in mountainous areas. Private telecommunications operators have braved the obstacles of venturing deep into the mountains to survey mobile phone communication conditions and set upinstall signage for communication points, with up to 1,381 points completed at presentto date. It is hoped that phone signal coverage blackspots in the mountains and the risk of getting lost can gradually be eliminated through the use of technology. This will not only make it easier for hikers to report their routes, but can also serve as an emergency call point to protect the safety of hikers.
Furthermore, to improve the hiking guide signs, the FANCA cooperated with private hiking groups to build simple road signs. Unlike the traditional hiking signs, these simple road signs are set upinstalled every 100 meters. Additionally,The contents of the information on the signs are simpleis straightforward and easy to understand, with informationfeaturing details such as the name of the route, the starting and finishing points, the distance, and the coordinates, all clearly labeled. Currently, 3,420 signs have been set upinstalled, and dedicated personnel will be arrangedassigned to update and maintain the signs every year to provide hikers with reliable hiking guidance.
Information on the communication points and simple road signs has been updated on data.gov.tw and Taiwan TOPO (rudymap). Comprehensive information, such as on the communication points and simple road signs, can also be accessed in real time through various hiking apps, including Hiking Logger, Green Tracks - Hiking Partner, and Wadi, to enhance hiking safety and security. The FANCA once again reminds the public that hiking is a challenging and risky activity, and that people should be well prepared before setting out into the mountains. The mountains will always be there waiting.
Download link of the FANCA simple road sign information:
https://www.forest.gov.tw/0004548/0075650
Download link of the FANCA mobile phone communication points information:
https://www.forest.gov.tw/0004548/0073591