National Park Promotes Organic Agriculture; Land Decree for Xibao Settlement Pending Adjustment

Taroko National Park commissioned the Tzu Chi Foundation to promote the conversion of the Xibao Settlement within its boundaries to organic agriculture 5 years ago, setting a first for all of Taiwan. Of the 8 households, 7 have already joined, and the hope is to develop it into an eco-village with a full conversion to organic farming in the future. However, local residents report that part of the land has been designated as a special scenic area, where agricultural supply rooms and net houses cannot be built, which could affect the eco-village plan. But this year's proposal for a change was rejected by the National Park Planning Committee, and there is still a long way to go before the national park and residents can achieve reconciliation and coexistence.

A First for Taiwan: Promoting Organic Farming Inside a National Park