202512/04
The Chiayi Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA Chiayi) has been actively promoting the conservation and habitat preservation of the farmland green treefrog (
Zhangixalus arvalis), a species endemic to Taiwan. After years of dedicated work with local farmers and communities, as well as the launch of the “Farmland Green Treefrog Label” and assisting farmers to establish a cooperative, FANCA Chiayi submitted two case studies detailing this journey to two globally renowned ecological and sustainable development platforms for sharing case studies: Solutions for a Healthy Planet (PANORAMA) and International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI). Both submissions were published recently, successfully showcasing Taiwan’s endemic species conservation experience on the international stage. The story of the farmland green treefrog has not only moved the hearts of people in Taiwan but is now captivating audiences on the global stage.
FANCA Chiayi explained that since 2018, it has been promoting habitat restoration and community conservation efforts for the rare endangered farmland green treefrog. As the farmland green treefrog is endemic to Taiwan and is also an ecological symbol of the Chiayi region, FANCA Chiayi has worked closely with local communities, farmers, and various agencies to introduce eco-friendly farming concepts and various conservation initiatives in areas such as Dalin, Xikou, and Minxiong of Chiayi County. FANCA Chiayi documented this journey into two thematic case studies and submitted them to two internationally renowned platforms. PANORAMA is a global platform jointly promoted by multiple multinational organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is dedicated to collecting and promoting inspiring and actionable solutions for environmental and sustainable development. FANCA Chiayi’s case studies highlight the initial stages in the conservation of the farmland green treefrog in Dalin Township, Chiayi County. Through resilience assessment, they identified issues related to community sustainability and guided the community to utilize external or internal resources for improvement, while simultaneously protecting the farmland green treefrog, a species of concern to the community. The publication of this case study on the PANORAMA platform signifies that Taiwan’s local practices have gained international reference value, demonstrating a “from local action to global impact” model.
The other case study, published on the IPSI platform, focused on the conservation of the farmland green treefrog on a broader agricultural landscape scale. Given the species’ high dependency on farmland, conservation efforts must incentivize farmers to continue planting bamboo shoots, linking fields into a green network, and then connecting farm to table through a human network. The bamboo shoots are sold to reward farmers for their efforts in conservation. FANCA Chiayi, together with bamboo shoot farmers in the Chiayi region, launched the “Farmland Green Treefrog Friendly Habitat Management Label.” Guidance was provided to the Chiayi County Farmland Green Treefrog Friendly Fruit and Vegetable Production Cooperative to market these high-quality and eco-friendly certified bamboo shoots to consumers. Through this approach that benefits both conservation and agricultural economy, the spirit of the Satoyama Initiative can be put into practice, embodying “harmony between man and nature.” IPSI is an important international partner network under the framework of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), bringing together governments, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups around the world to jointly promote the Satoyama Initiative. The case studies collected by the platform emphasize local wisdom and multi-party cooperation. The case study of FANCA Chiayi demonstrates Taiwan’s concrete practices in promoting this initiative and allows its successful experiences to echo around the world.
FANCA Chiayi stated that having the conservation efforts for the farmland green treefrog featured on the two major international platforms, PANORAMA and IPSI, signifies that Taiwan’s biodiversity management model has gained international recognition. It not only demonstrates the policy-driving force of government departments, but also reflects the achievements of community, farmers, and civil society participation. FANCA Chiayi will continue to deepen its partnerships with local communities, promote eco-friendly farming and habitat restoration, and maintain international connections to share Taiwan’s experience with the world. FANCA Chiayi also called on the public to support environmentally friendly agricultural products, becoming a part of conservation through consumption. By recognizing the bamboo shoots with the small Farmland Green Treefrog Label as a starting point, everyone can play a part in connecting the hard work of farmers, the enthusiasm of the community, and the sustainable future of the Earth.