202510/18
Today (10/18), the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) held the “Recognition Ceremony of Forestry and Nature Conservation Achievements,” also known as the “Green Oscars.” The ceremony honored 15 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of forestry and nature conservation, as well as three groups recognized as exemplary models for promoting wildlife education. This ceremony not only recognizes their long-term dedication and hard work, but also hopes to inspire more people to join conservation efforts through these heartwarming stories and outstanding achievements, collectively safeguarding Taiwan’s mountain forests and natural environment.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tu Wen-Jane stated that the annual selection of “Outstanding Contributors to Forestry and Nature Conservation” showcased exemplary individuals who have made long-term contributions to conservation in various fields. The award recipients made outstanding contributions to the safeguarding of Taiwan’s natural resources by integrating community efforts, academic research, and public sector resources. Among them are individuals who undertake aerial missions to protect black bears and fight forest fires, or utilize high-tech methods to crack down on illegal logging and poaching. There are also experts who have dedicated years to researching native tree species and salamanders, promoting community forestry and the Satoyama Initiative to strengthen ecosystem foundations. Others have built biodiversity databases, optimized forest recreation, and promoted handcrafted trails to enhance public participation. There are also individuals who preserved the Atayal people’s rattan bridge-building skills, showcasing the wisdom of coexistence between culture and nature. There are those who promoted the application of domestic timber and trained the youth in rural areas. Some have pioneered the standardization of black bear rescue and urban wildlife conservation. There are also engineering professionals who implemented ecological sustainability through soil and water conservation. These efforts not only safeguard Taiwan’s forests and wildlife, but also promote placemaking and international exchange, embodying the core values of “Sustainable Forestry, Ecological Taiwan.”
According to the FANCA, it received 75 nominations for “Outstanding Contributors to Forestry and Nature Conservation” this year, a record high, reflecting heightened societal commitment to conservation and intensifying competition. We extend our gratitude to the review committee for their rigorous and impartial selection process, which ultimately led to the recognition of 15 individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the fields of forestry and nature conservation, as well as three organizations that have actively promoted wildlife education as exemplary models. Among the group awards, a group of local residents in Biexi formed the “Water Conservation Rice Farming Team” to set up fish ladders to protect the creek’s ecosystem, allowing Japanese goby (
Sicyopterus japonicus) and native fish to migrate unhindered. They have also transformed the high riverbank into a breeding base for Kikuchi minnow (
Aphyocypris kikuchii), successfully restoring the population from ten individuals to several thousand. The farming team has also conducted research on Chinese softshell turtles (
Pelodiscus sinensis) and established a patrol team to protect the creek environment. Since the Hsinchu County Ecological Leisure Development Association established a rescue and release team in 2016, it has been protecting wildlife over the years. The association has brought together science and education through river surveys, infrared monitoring, and the publication of dragonfly field guides. They have also actively removed invasive exotic species to alleviate pressure on native species. In Chiayi, a group of bamboo shoot farmers gathered together to form an eco-friendly production cooperative, united by the farmland green treefrog (
Zhangixalus arvalis). They have not only created habitats but also integrated conservation concepts into agricultural product marketing, enabling the public to participate in conservation through food consumption.
Sky Guardians and Forest Detectives: Taiwan’s Dual Protective Force
Wang You-Sheng, piloting a Black Hawk helicopter, returned the Nan’an Bear Cub” back to its habitat in just 38 minutes, saving several days of trekking through mountainous terrain. He has also responded to numerous forest firefighting missions, extinguishing 15 fires and protecting precious trees. He has also participated in aerial surveys of the Matai’an River landslide dam, showcasing his role as a “Sky Guardian.” Police officer Kao Chien-Yuan solved several cases, including those involving the killing of a Formosan black bear (
Ursus thibetanus formosanus), illegal logging of Taiwan Incense-cedar (
Calocedrus formosana), and the use of nearly 350 traps to hunt brown shrikes (
Lanius cristatus). Combining high-tech evidence gathering with drone operation, he has lawfully collected evidence, frozen illegal gains, and dismantled multiple domestic land crime syndicates, becoming a “guardian policeman” of the mountains and forests.
From Scientific Research to Community: Forging New Forces for Sustainable Forests
Professor Chang Shang-Tzen of National Taiwan University specializes in the research of Taiwan cinnamon (
Cinnamomum osmophloeum). He has discovered that its leaf essential oil contains up to 90% “linalool,” which has significant health benefits. He has been promoting the plant for its application in the aromatherapy industry. Professor Chang has also advocated a harvesting model of “no cutting down trees, harvesting branches and leaves” that balances environmental conservation with financial feasibility for forest owners, creating new opportunities for forest by-products. Associate Professor Luo Kai-An of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) has consistently promoted forestry policy innovation, from land-lease afforestation compensation to community forestry. He has led the local development of bamboo forest mechanization, forest therapy, and eco-friendly farming, as well as assisted in the establishment of cooperatives. These endeavors have shifted forestry management from individuals to the collective, thus achieving green production and sustainable development. Huang Hsiu-Tuan, Section Chief of the Chiayi Branch of the FANCA (FANCA Chiayi), launched “Alishan 2488,” Taiwan’s first forest-themed cultural-creative brand, along with seasonal events. She has also renovated the Alishan Guesthouse, a county-designated historic monument, and planned the Shuishan Healing Trail and its dedicated app. She has also trained community tour guides to ensure that forest recreation incorporates culture, conservation, and local participation.
A Life-Protecting Bridge: From Databases to Satoyama, Taiwan’s Ecological Journey to the World Stage
Researcher Chung Kuo-Fang of Academia Sinica has built several Taiwan core biodiversity databases, laying the foundation for conservation, and has represented Taiwan in international conferences. He proposed that the Austronesian language family originated from Taiwan with supporting botanical evidence through research on paper mulberry (
Broussonetia papyrifera). This integration of science and culture has created a new perspective in ethnobotany. Professor Lee Kuang-Chung of National Dong Hwa University is a key pioneer in promoting the Satoyama Initiative, who created the Taiwan Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (TPSI). It successfully facilitated 28 domestic units to join the international network, further linking community forestry and ecological green networks to promote resilient local community development. His achievements have not only strengthened Taiwan’s ecological foundation, but also elevated Taiwan’s experience into an international model, demonstrating a sustainable vision of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Professor Ju Yu-Tien of National Taiwan University has long been dedicated to the study of the Taiwan salamander (
Hynobius formosanus), from its genetic diversity to habitat creation, and has developed conservation action plans. He has also assisted in the filming of documentaries and educational outreach, making the conservation of salamanders a popular topic and safeguarding the life stories of these creatures in alpine cold streams.
Trail Building and Mountain Safeguarding: Connecting Taiwan’s Mountain Trails to the World
Lee Chia-Chih, a trail instructor with the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association, has promoted handmade trails and led communities and volunteers to safeguard mountain trails. He has developed a simplified trail marker system, significantly improving safety in mountainous areas, and promoted the Mountains to Sea National Greenway. He has also facilitated international trail cooperation, connecting Taiwan’s trails with the world. Wu Yun-Tien, Director of
Taiwan Mountain Magazine, has promoted the “Leave No Trace” principles. He has led volunteers to adopt trails, clean up mountains, and participate in the management of mountain trails, including for Songluo Lake and Dabajian Mountain. He is also dedicated to publishing works on mountain culture and reviving the
Taiwan Mountain Magazine, allowing the public to see the beauty of mountains and forests.
From Century-Old Rattan Bridges to International Design Awards: The Dual Power of Local Culture and Youth Innovation
Tali Wasaw, the 98-year-old Atayal Chieftain and Head of the Mapihaw Tribal Community Development Association in Miaoli County, spearheaded the reconstruction of a century-old rattan bridge, a craft that had been lost for a century, symbolizing unity and wisdom. He has also promoted rattan weaving to safeguard forest culture. The Mapihaw Tribal Community’s consecutive selection as an Outstanding Community in the “Community Forestry Program” attests to his impact on conservation and cultural preservation. Wang Chia-Na, Chairman of the Taiwan Wood Dreamers Talent Development Association, returned to his hometown to establish “Wotopia,” where he has trained youth using domestic timber, blending craftsmanship with design. His team’s “Acacia Dining Chair” won the German iF Design Award, bringing rural craftsmanship to the international stage and becoming a placemaking practitioner.
Guardians of Taiwan’s Wildlife: Two Powerhouses Behind Community Integration and Black Bear Rescue
Lin Wen-Loung, the group leader of the Taichung City Wildlife Conservation Society, has long been committed to wildlife research and promoted the Ershui Ecological Conservation Station, bringing together conservation with social coexistence. From surveys on the Formosan masked palm civet (
Paguma larvata) to rescue and rehabilitation, he has fostered coexistence between cities and nature. He has led marginalized groups to participate in conservation, demonstrating the value of co-prosperity. Chiang Yi-Lun, Director of the WildOne Wildlife Conservation Association has led rescue teams in establishing protocols and providing specialized medical care for black bears at rescue sites. Over the years, she has participated in the rescue of 25 black bears and has also rescued endangered wildlife such as pangolins and otters. She is a leading figure in Taiwanese wildlife medical care and conservation.
Engineers Guarding the Mountains: Leveraging Expertise to Build a Sustainable Ecosystem and a Secure Home
Civil engineer Shen Ming-Hsin has promoted slope management in Chiayi and Alishan, emphasizing eco-friendly construction methods and green building materials to reduce disaster risks and implement energy conservation and carbon reduction. He has also promoted soil and water conservation education, cultivating a new generation of professionals to achieve a balance between engineering and the environment.
Wildlife Education Exemplar Award
The 2025 Wildlife Education Exemplar Award was given to the Biexi Water Conservation Rice Farming Team, which is composed of local residents and has long been committed to the protection of the creek ecosystem, achieving many conservation accomplishments. In 2019, fish ladders were set up to assist Japanese goby and native fish to migrate unhindered. They also established a high riverbank breeding base for Kikuchi minnow, successfully restoring the population from ten individuals to several thousand; in addition, ongoing efforts include the removal of exotic species and habitat preservation. The team has also conducted citizen science surveys of Chinese softshell turtles, accumulating a wealth of ecological data. They have demonstrated the community’s collective power in protecting rivers through practice and education. The Hsinchu County Ecological Leisure Development Association has long been involved in wildlife rescue and release. Since the establishment of its working group in 2016, it has provided round-the-clock assistance in rescuing injured animals and ensuring the successful release of wildlife. It has also undertaken surveys of species that are of concern within river systems and the Taiwan Ecological Network, enhancing species distribution data through infrared monitoring and surveys of yellow pond turtle (
Mauremys mutica) and Taiwanese fiddler crabs (
Xeruca formosensis). The association has also conducted long-term research on dragonflies and published the
Dragonflies of Hsinchu illustrated guide, which is one-of-its-kind in Taiwan. The Chiayi County Farmland Green Treefrog Fruit and Vegetable Production Cooperative was established in 2023. It is composed of bamboo shoot farmers who have obtained the “Farmland Green Treefrog Friendly Habitat Management Label,” and promotes production, sales and distribution channels through the cooperative. Its members are on the front lines creating suitable bamboo forest habitats for the farmland green treefrog, while simultaneously producing high-quality, safe bamboo shoots. In addition to agricultural production, it has actively promoted conservation concepts to the public, allowing consumers to participate in conservation through their food choices and becoming important partners in promoting the conservation of the farmland green treefrog.
The FANCA hopes that through this recognition ceremony, the public can see the dedication and efforts of award recipients and organizations, and widely spread the spirit of environmental protection. Furthermore, the FANCA hopes to inspire more people to join the ranks of forest protection and ecological conservation, and work together to contribute to a sustainable environment.
*List of 2025 Forestry and Nature Conservation Achievement Award Recipients
Wang You-Sheng
Kao Chien-Yuan
Chang Shang-Tzen
Luo Kai-An
Huang Hsiu-Tuan
Chung Kuo-Fang
Lee Kuang-Chung
Ju Yu-Tien
Lee Chia-Chih
Wu Yun-Tien
Tali Wasaw
Wang Chia-Na
Lin Wen-Loung
Chiang Yi-Lun
Shen Ming-Hsin
*List of 2025 Wildlife Education Exemplar Award Recipients (Organizations)
Biexi Water Conservation Rice Farming Team
Hsinchu County Ecological Leisure Development Association
Chiayi County Farmland Green Treefrog Fruit and Vegetable Production Cooperative