The Dan-Da Eco-Tourism Independent Operation: Four Tribes Unite to Establish an Association Window Platform

The "Nantou County Dan-Da Bunun Eco-Tourism Association" has become the sole external window for eco-tourism in the Dan-Da area, filling local indigenous friends with hope for independently operated tribal tourism. (Photo by Shen Huisheng)

The "Nantou County Dan-Da Bunun Eco-Tourism Association" was established on the 11th, with Lin Huaqing, Director of the Forestry Bureau (right), presiding over the qualification ceremony for guides, represented by Quande Fu. (Photo by Shen Huisheng)

Lin Huaqing, Director of the Forestry Bureau (right), presides over the certification ceremony. (Photo by Shen Huisheng)

The iconic attraction, the "Loach Bay" large meander of the Zhuoshui River, is just a five-minute drive from the Damalan Tribe. (Photo by Shen Huisheng)

The spectacular scenery along the Dan-Da and Zhuoshui River routes in Xinyi Township is expected to become even more enchanting through tribal self-management. (Photo by Shen Huisheng)

A Bunun journey to explore old tribal villages. (Photo by Shen Huisheng)

The Susong and Donglong double suspension bridges spanning the main stream of the Zhuoshui River, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. (Photo by Shen Huisheng)

The Dan-Da area in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, boasts rich ecology and is a pristine destination for in-depth travel in Taiwan. However, conservation efforts previously restricted access. To balance local culture, sustainable mountain management, and tourism development, the Forestry Bureau began providing training and organizing an association for the four tribes in 2016 as a platform for independent tribal tourism development. On the 11th, the association’s founding conference was presided over by Lin Huaqing, Director of the Forestry Bureau, filling locals with joy and anticipation.

Established under the guidance of the Nantou Forest District Office, the "Nantou County Dan-Da Bunun Eco-Tourism Association," jointly initiated by the four villages of Tanan, Shuanglong, Dili, and Renhe in Xinyi Township, was officially founded on the 11th amid Bunun welcoming songs at the Damalan Tourism Service Center. Eleven council members and three supervisors were elected, with Jin Caifu and Quande Fu, the “Two Fus,” respectively taking the roles of the first chairperson and standing supervisor.

The event featured a certification ceremony presided over by Lin Huaqing, with attendees including Hong Weixin, Director of Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration; Zhang Zixiao, Director of the Council of Indigenous Peoples; Shi Qiang, Magistrate of Xinyi Township; Li Yanshou, Director of the Nantou Forest District Office; county councilors Shi Qingshui and Shi Qinglong; Chen Yiquan, Director of the Itashao Management Station; Sun Zongzhi, Director of the Dan-Da Work Station; Jin Malan, Vice Chair of the Township Council; as well as Cheng Shiyi and Wu Ruilong, heads of service offices for legislators Kung Wen-chi and Hsu Shu-hua, among over a hundred guests.

Lin Huaqing and Li Yanshou separately noted that two years ago, the Forestry Bureau invited experts from the Taiwan Eco-Tourism Association to provide foundational empowerment courses for the four tribes, accompanying indigenous friends in developing tour programs and operational mechanisms, gradually implementing guide certification.

Participants engaged in multiple case visits, consensus reviews, environmental patrols, as well as 13 consensus meetings and over 200 hours of training. They completed diverse itinerary planning, local interpretation, and the development of Bunun ethnic plant-based dishes, and underwent rigorous presentation training. In the end, 18 individuals passed the “Guide Interpretation” certification, while 13 and 7 individuals were certified for “Tribal Kitchen” and “Accommodation Services,” respectively.

Lin Huaqing stated that the Dan-Da eco-tourism self-management will initially focus on tribal culture and nearby attractions, gradually expanding to the Dan-Da, Shuanglong, and Renlun forest roads, using this association as the sole external platform. They aim to provide high-quality services to visitors, fostering understanding, learning, and sharing of mountain resources and Bunun culture.

Lin Huaqing emphasized that the Forestry Bureau and indigenous peoples share the core value of “sustainability.” He expressed hope for deeper understanding of traditional indigenous culture, increased opportunities for dialogue and exchange with tribal communities, leveraging traditional indigenous wisdom in forest management, and combining systematic integrated development for joint governance of natural resources. He believes eco-tourism is a positive start. The establishment of the “Nantou County Dan-Da Bunun Eco-Tourism Association” marks a significant milestone for tribal self-operation, and he looks forward to its smooth operation and progress toward diversified itineraries, distinctive experiences, and autonomous management.

Members of the “Nantou County Dan-Da Bunun Eco-Tourism Association” Council: Jin Caifu, Tian Shourong, Xing Yuyan, Jin Yaming, Fang Maogui, Tian Yuncheng, Jin Senmao, Song Donglong, Gu Changcheng, Xing Min, and Song Guanghui. Supervisory Board Members: Jin Caifeng, Quan Meizhen, and Quande Fu.