Premier Su Tseng-chang announced five major policy directions for mountain climbing yesterday. In the future, apart from reasons such as national defense needs or rugged terrain, mountain areas will be fully open. However, climbers will also need to practice self-management, with the implementation of a "user-pays" principle for mountain rescue operations. Some hikers, however, believe that the user-pays model effectively punishes them indirectly.
The Executive Yuan held a press conference titled "Salute to the Mountains" yesterday and proposed five key policy directions: "Open Mountains," "Transparent Information," "Convenient Services," "Widespread Education," and "Clear Responsibilities." Premier Su stated that in the past, the government played a role of "regulating" and "blocking" when it came to mountain climbing, but in the future, it will act as a "platform."
He said that in the past, mountain closures made access difficult, and mountain huts were substandard, outdated, and rudimentary. Taiwan has these natural treasures but could only sigh at them due to the wrong attitude. These five policies are the result of discussions involving 15 ministries and various stakeholders, including hikers.
Premier Su said the first of the five policies is "openness." In the future, apart from absolute necessities such as national defense requirements, rugged terrain, danger, indigenous sacred sites, and conservation, all areas will be open. The second is "transparency," ensuring one-stop management rather than having different departments handle things separately.
Regarding "services," the Executive Yuan will spend four years and NT$700 million to upgrade existing mountain huts and install base stations. For "education," children will be encouraged to explore and take risks, but the issue of "responsibility" in self-management is equally important.
Tsai Chi-wen, head of the "Mountain Climbing Supply Station," said that every time a mountain rescue occurs, society brings up the idea of "user-pays." However, mountain rescues and air rescue operations are public services provided out of the obligation to protect people's lives. Approaching it from a "user-pays" perspective is inappropriate, as it resembles "punishing hikers who encounter difficulties in the mountains and seek government help, turning fines and payments into penalties."
Premier Su responded that while some hold this view, others believe everyone should be well-prepared, so it’s necessary to have discussions among all stakeholders.