Building the Dream Black Forest: Green Communities Get Subsidies

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi

Germany’s Black Forest environmental achievements are evident, attracting frequent visits from eco-groups around the world to Freiburg to observe local sustainability efforts. Although Taiwan’s environmental initiatives started later, success stories are emerging — from the growing recognition of the Huadong Luoshan Organic Village, to the doubling of organic rice cultivation in Taitung’s Chishang area, and the development of an organic rice certification system. The vision of green dream communities is gradually becoming a future trend in Taiwan. The “Meeting the Future? Building Green Dream Communities Project” is offering a total subsidy of up to NT$320,000, selecting four individuals or groups interested in community development to implement their plans. Urban and rural development professionals, environmental educators, or ecological conservationists from all regions who wish to participate in community building are welcome to apply.

The project will hold a two-day workshop starting July 28, featuring courses on environmental education and the principles of sustainable communities. It will include case studies from successful communities such as Taomi, Quxi, and the Amis tribe of Orchid Island, as well as workshops on video documentation and practical planning of environmental education programs. Participants will also visit Linhai Farm to build skills for implementing green community action plans.

After the workshop, four action plans will be selected for funding. The Council for Cultural Affairs will provide a subsidy of up to NT$80,000, while the National Taiwan Museum will offer professional assistance for executing the green community action plans. Priority will be given to projects focusing on sustainable lifestyle themes such as waste reduction, waste management, green consumption, climate change, energy saving and carbon reduction, alternative energy, water resources, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, and green buildings. A results-sharing meeting will be held on September 16, and the National Taiwan Museum will also create a “Sustainable Community” themed webpage to digitally document and showcase the outcomes of the plans.