Today (12th), President Ing-wen Tsai, accompanied by Premier of the Executive Yuan, Chien-Jen Chen, Secretary-General of the Examination Yuan, Chien-Sin Liu, Secretary-General of the Control Yuan, Fu-Meei Ju, Deputy Secretary-General of the Judicial Yuan, Lin-Lun Huang, Members of the Legislative Yuan, Meei-Ling Loh and Pei-Hui Tsai, Council of Agriculture Minister, Chi-Chung Chen, and Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Vice Minister, Chuan-Neng Lin visited Niaozuitan in Caotun Township, Nantou County to attend the presidential afforestation event. They were joined by local residents, elementary school teachers, and students in planting native Taiwanese tree species to launch the "Forest Living Circle" that integrates water and greenery. Niaozuitan of Caotun Township, Nantou County was specially selected by the Executive Yuan for this year's tree planting event as it is the nation's largest artificial lake according to Water Resources Agency, MOEA. The first phase of the project completed in January 2022 has provided a daily supply of 90,000 tons of groundwater. All six reservoirs of the lake are slated for completion by the end of this year (2023) and will effectively increase the storage of the reservoir to 14.5 million cubic meters, supplying Changhua, as well as Caotun, with 250,000 tons of groundwater each day. In addition to providing the region with a stable water supply, it will also improve the issue of land subsidence in Yunlin and Changhua. In her speech, President Tsai highlighted Taiwan's key policy objectives of addressing climate change and strengthening the management of forests. The selection of Niaozuitan, a key infrastructure in Taiwan, for this year's tree planting showcases Taiwan's resilience in powering through extreme weather. Aside from providing the public with a stable water supply, the project also boasts cultural and recreational value. Planting native Taiwanese tree species that are resistant to heat, drought, poor soil, and wind in this location offers shade to the lake area, while also teaching local residents and visiting tourists about ecological conservation and tree species native to Taiwan. In his speech, Premier Chen expressed gratitude to the Water Resources Agency for constructing Niaozuitan Artificial Lake to alleviate water shortages in Central Taiwan. Furthermore, he thanked local residents for their support and cooperation for the project's successful completion, and resolving the issue of water use. He then thanked the Council of Agriculture for organizing the tree planting event which integrated local culture and the tourism industry. He looks forward to the cooperation between various departments and the Nantou County Government to drive development in the region. The Council of Agriculture said that even a small area of greenery in a metropolitan area can create a biological habitat. As such, all are encouraged to make practical contribution to ecological conservation by planting trees. As March is a suitable month for planting trees, various Forestry Bureaus under the Council work with county and municipal governments to organize tree planting, protection, and sapling donation events for the public across multiple regions. Also, a consistent effort has been made to call on enterprises to participate in afforestation to implement their ESG (environmental, social and governance) net-zero carbon emission goal, plant future seeds of hope for sustainability and enrich Taiwan's forest resources. Special invitations were extended to the Nantou Folk Dance Group and Movoai Performance Art to perform for today's tree planting event to symbolize the partnerships of diverse cultures and different generations. Their dance and singing performances conveyed beauty, which is founded upon the intersection of nature and culture. They awakened the spirit and sentiments of protecting Earth and raised awareness in more people of understanding that the "Forest Living Circle" is a goal that requires collective attention and effort.
Home
Taiwan High Speed Rail