"If you do not know your own country,
you are not qualified to travel abroad."
--Austrian folk saying.
Some say Taiwan is lacking in natural resources. But aren't wild rivers, unspoiled jungle-covered mountains, lush valleys, and pristine coastlines just a different kind of natural resource? In relation to its size, Taiwan does have an abundance of protected areas, in particular the national park and national scenic area systems. The very existence of these preserved areas underscores a dedication and awareness by government planners that these assets have just as much intrinsic value as manufactured products with more tangible pricetags.
As of this writing, there are three national scenic areas in Taiwan with at least three or four more being planned for the future. These current areas, the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area, East Coast National Scenic Area, and Penghu National Scenic Area, offer residents and international travelers unique opportunities to escape Taiwan's overcrowded cities--and enjoy some breathtaking nature.
There are nearly 60 scenic areas in Taiwan if you add up all the ones administered by county and provincial governments. The total amount of protected land is about six percent of the island's total area when national parks are included; the grand aim of these efforts is to preserve 10% of the land as parkland.
The development of national parks and scenic areas came late to Taiwan. Prior to the 1980s, we were more worried about manufacturing and competing in international markets than saving a coastline or a species of bird. But we have indisputably caught up in a very short time. Formosa is once again beautiful. However, preserving the land almost seems the easy part; the long-term challenge to our commitment is maintaining quality and reaching international professional standards. We take these responsibilities to heart.
Finding a workable balance between economic development and preservation of natural resources remains one of the thorniest issues plaguing modern societies. Taiwan's national scenic areas have succeeded in striking that balance, offering the island's residents remarkable places in which to relax, pursue an outdoor sport--or even make a living.
Modeled on the U.S. scheme in place for many years, Taiwan's development of these scenic areas applies the 'multiple use' concept. This exacts a preservationist and economic compromise where everybody is more or less happy. The fact is that any plan is only as good as its management. In the U.S., some of the best-laid policies wound up being resource grabs for only half of the equation. There was a massive extraction of old-growth forests and minerals without any regard for the future or for recreational or aesthetic principles. Taiwan has taken those difficult lessons to heart and has successfully applied the wins and omitted the losses to the development of the island's national scenic areas.
Our perceptions and actions embrace the policy of saving what you have for future generations. Today, the three national scenic areas simultaneously produce jobs, recreation, and open space. They allow limited mining, logging, and fishing on parts of them, but these activities are strictly regulated. Building tourist hotels, residential areas, and general recreational zones is not allowed on national park or forest land, but they are part of the overall design for national scenic areas. Criteria for the development of a scenic area are visitor access, pre-existence of facilities and natural resources, environmental and educational possibilities, and overall value of the land.
Subject to rigorous enforcement and at the same time frequented by pleased vacationers and weekenders, national scenic areas make multiple use the best use of the land. Although Taiwan is not known for its extensive natural resources, it has found this middle path an acceptable one. National scenic areas are a major source of pride for the people of Taiwan.