National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) celebrated the 24th anniversary of Taiwan’s Community Forestry program on October 22 (2025). The event, themed “Weaving a New Chapter for Community Forestry,” was held at the PIN Ideas Lab in the NPUST Library and Conference Hall, and featured the announcement of three major milestones in the march toward sustainability. The event brought together community representatives, academic experts, and partners from public and private sectors to witness the program’s evolution towards “accompaniment, connection, and co-creation”. THREE MAJOR MILESTONES The debut of the “Community Forestry Professional Accompaniment Team” marks the first major achievement in the project. This team comprises 120 experts from five key domains: government agencies, academic research units, NPO/NGOs, businesses, and local community leaders. The team’s core mission is rooted in the spirit of “accompaniment” and will focus on providing comprehensive professional advice and conducting practical exchanges to assist local communities in all aspects of community forestry—from ecological surveys and habitat restoration to operational management and local revitalization. Speakers who shared some of their expert insight included Dr. Ya-Ling Huang, Associate Researcher at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Vice President Wen-Ling Shih of NPUST, and Chen-Ju Wang, Executive Director of Deep Roots Community & Culture Studio. This team of experts is working to combine indigenous knowledge with modern technology and lead greater social innovation by embodying the principles of the Satoyama Initiative. The second major milestone the project has recently attained is the completion of the nationwide network of Community Forestry Centers. This development came about with the recent addition of three new network hubs: Yingshi Community Development Association in Datong Township, Yilan County. Hushan Reservoir Cultural and Ecological Protection Association in Yunlin. Dongshi Creative Execution Association (Damaupu Survey Team) in Taichung City. With these additions, the network now encompasses nine locations, covering all eight of FANCA’s branch jurisdictions. This nationwide network of hubs will work to facilitate regional exchange and collaboration, while sharing best practices and nurturing local talent. Together, they will make “mutual assistance and shared prosperity” the new norm for community forestry. The third major announcement was the publication of the handbook, Creating a Space for Shared Prosperity: Building Vibrant Ecological Ponds and Constructed Wetlands. This publication synthesizes years of field practice and local wisdom, providing a comprehensive record of Taiwan’s habitat creation experience, from ecological observation and native plant selection to engineering construction and ongoing maintenance. The handbook serves as both a technical guide and a testament to the spirit of co-learning and co-prosperity between people and the environment. COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang highlighted the role the university has been playing with respect to the promotion of community forestry and sustainable development in mountain villages since establishing the Community Forestry Center in 2017. He stressed the university’s commitment to university social responsibility (USR) and the way it is using professional teams to meet local development needs, foster talent, and collaborate with FANCA, other government agencies, and communities to enhance teaching, research, and economic returns for society. Dean of the College of Agriculture, Yi-Hsien Lin, affirmed the long-term dedication of the team led by of the Department of Forestry Professor and Director of the Community Forestry Center, Mei-Hui Chen. Professor Chen remarked that “community forestry is not just a conservation project; it is a sustainable path that unites people. From forests to wetlands, every community’s effort is an important step toward Taiwan’s sustainability. We hope to empower communities through professional accompaniment, network connections, and knowledge sharing to achieve self-reliance and co-existence—jointly creating a sustainable living space among the mountains, rivers, and the sea.” Moving forward, the Community Forestry Center and the FANCA are committed to deepening cross-sectoral collaboration, connecting public and private sectors and local communities, conducting academic research, and ensuring that professional knowledge and local practices can be used for mutual enrichment and the development of a truly sustainable society.

The annual Liugui “Good Market” enjoyed a lively opening on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Shiba Luohan Mountain Service Area in Liugui District—kicking off with dynamic songs and cultural performances by the Kinzang Youth. Becoming more than just an annual celebration for locals, the market is growing in popularity as a venue for those interested in eco-friendly practices, culture, crafts, and local industries to exchange information and ideas. This year’s market set a new record for participation with a total of 48 vendors coming from as far as Tainan and Pingtung City—demonstrating the increasing draw of the annual market. Distinguished guests at the opening included Deputy Director-General Mu-Sheng Zhu of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Pingtung Branch; Chief Chih-Ying Chen of the Conservation Section of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency; Acting Director-General Wei-Hung Cheng of the Maolin National Scenic Area Administration; Deputy Director-General Ruey-Min Chu of the Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation (Tainan Branch); Director-General Chih-Wang Yao of the Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau; District Chief Yu-Ju Chen of the Liugui District Office; a team led by Dr. Mei-Hui Chen from the Department of Forestry at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST); Dr. Po-Lun Hou from the Department of Wood Science and Design at NPUST; a team from Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU); and numerous local organizations that offered their support. Many young faces were also seen at the event—students from NPUST and CJCU—who showcased some of their academic achievements in the area of sustainability. In addition to the market’s four signature themes—Crafts and Lifestyle, Local Produce and Cuisine, Ecotourism and Travel, and Cycling and Outdoor Activities—this year’s event featured some new highlights, including a Real-Life Puzzle-Solving Game designed to give participants a better understanding of the surrounding area, and an Enhanced Plastic Reduction Initiative, designed to add to the eco-friendly nature of the market. Commenting on the activities, Deputy Director Jui-min Chu of the Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation (Tainan Branch) expressed that she was honored to “see the event get better every year. Liugui is blessed with rich culture, history, art, and a beautiful natural environment. We are also grateful for the continued support from partners like the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), the Bureau of Agriculture, and other organizations.” The Liugui Good Market, first launched in 2019, has now entered its 7th year. This vibrant event, organized by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (Pingtung), has become a highly anticipated yearly fixture. Much more than a typical local festival, it offers a unique chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the best of the Liugui region, savor the finest local produce, venture into the hidden corners of the Shiba Luohan Mountain Nature Reserve and experience its natural beauty.

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) is hosting the Overseas Youth Dream Fund and Youth Exchange Program for Diplomatic Allies from October 1 to October 30, 2025. This month-long educational exchange is co-sponsored by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and organized by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). The opening ceremony on October 1st was attended by several distinguished guests from NPUST and the TaiwanICDF, who welcomed eight youth participants from six of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies: Paraguay, Eswatini, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. The welcoming dignitaries included: Professor Shang-Ming Ma, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Professor Wen-Ling Shih, Vice President for Administration; Professor Shu-twu Wang, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Jik-Chang Leong, Dean of the International College; Hsin-Pei Hsieh (謝昕蓓), Manager, International Education and Training Department, TaiwanICDF; and Hsiao-Chen Chou, Project Manager, TaiwanICDF. Members of the Taiwan Sustainability Hub and representatives from the Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation were also in attendance. PROGRAM GOALS: SMART AGRICULTURE AND DEEPENED FRIENDSHIP The exchange program was jointly planned by Herlin Chien, Professor and Director of the NPUST Center for General Education, and Jung-Yi Fang, Professor and Chair of the Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation. The organizers hope that the diverse curriculum and field experiences will promote the exchange of advanced agricultural knowledge and strengthen Taiwan’s long-term friendships with its allies. During the opening ceremony, the attending guests emphasized that this exchange offers an excellent opportunity for talent collaboration. They encouraged the visiting youth to fully embrace the NPUST campus life, actively engage with students, and gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan’s diverse culture. Most importantly, speakers expressed the hope that the participants would return home to apply the agricultural knowledge, sustainable development concepts, and life experiences gained in Taiwan, becoming key bridges for international cooperation and local development. INDUSTRY INSIGHT: A MODEL OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY Following the ceremony, the delegation visited King’s Ground Bio-Tech (KGBio). in the afternoon. Company CEO, Ching-Shan Yang (楊青山) personally hosted the group, providing a detailed introduction to the company’s entrepreneurial vision and its commitment to the “Circular Economies”. Yang highlighted how KGBio practices a zero-waste model by using high-value and innovative green technology to transform agricultural and food byproducts—such as soybean residue, tea leaves, and mung bean hulls—which are typically considered waste, into healthy animal feed, supplements, and household goods. The company employs the 5R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redefine, and Redesign) to redefine its production processes— from raw material sourcing to final product. In this way, they are working to set a new standard for circular economies in Taiwan. Yang encouraged the visiting youth to value the knowledge and insights gained in Taiwan and to bring the concepts of “zero waste” and “environmental sustainability” back to their home countries in order to drive local innovation. As a symbolic gesture of friendship he presented each of the eight students with a bar of soap made from recycled agricultural byproducts. CURRICULUM FOCUS: SMART AGRICULTURE AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE This year’s “Overseas Youth Dream Fund Program” is centered on four core areas: Sustainable Tourism, Smart Agriculture, Sports Diplomacy, and Cultural Diplomacy. NPUST’s program focuses on Smart Agriculture, featuring a carefully designed curriculum that includes experiential learning from the university’s undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in tropical agriculture. The agenda also incorporates practical activities such as smart agriculture technology demonstrations and ecological farming experiences, providing students with both theoretical foundations and hands-on exposure to Taiwan’s expertise in sustainable agriculture. Beyond professional training, the program emphasizes comprehensive cultural exchange. Students will participate in Hakka rural village and indigenous traditional culture experiences to get a feel for Taiwan’s rich multicultural tapestry. Furthermore, they will engage in fishery village food education and local revitalization activities organized by the Daxiaogangbian Local Revitalization Association (大小港邊地方創生協會) to foster a better understanding of local industry innovation and the diverse aspects of sustainable community development.

The National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) and the Nantou County Government announced a major collaboration to promote the “Development Project for Nantou County’s Bamboo Industry”. On October 2nd (2025), NPUST attended a ceremony at the Nantou County Government International Conference Hall to witness the signing of two key Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). Yi-Hsien Lin (林宜賢), Dean of the NPUST College of Agriculture, represented the university, alongside Jui-Hsiang Su, Director of the Nantou County Government Department of Agriculture, to officially witness the establishment of two partnerships: Dinglin Forestry Production Cooperative (頂林林業生產合作社) and Tuxing Wuri Co., Ltd. (土星烏日股份有限公司) Zhuyu Co., Ltd. (竹育股份有限公司) and Tuxing Wuri Co., Ltd. (土星烏日股份有限公司) Uniting industry, government, and academia, this tripartite collaboration signals a new drive to achieve sustainable bamboo use and connect the local industry to international carbon credit markets. ADVANCING CIRCULAR ECONOMIES AND CARBON CREDITS As a major center for bamboo production in Taiwan, Nantou County has long faced challenges in the international market. To counter this, the County Government leveraged the expertise of a team led by Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Yi of NPUST’s Department of Forestry to establish a Nantou Bamboo Industry Revitalization Matching Platform. This platform successfully inventoried local bamboo resources and facilitated the signing of the two MOUs. At the core of this initiative is a focus on promoting circular economies and sustainable development within the local bamboo industry. The local cooperatives and enterprises—Dinglin Forestry Production Cooperative and Zhuyu Co., Ltd.—will be responsible for the collection, crushing, and sorting of raw bamboo stalks. Tuxing Wuri Co., Ltd. will then establish a fixed-rate purchasing system, handling transportation and processing. Crucially, Tuxing Wuri will also act as an international carbon credit developer, connecting Nantou’s bamboo recycling efforts to the global carbon market and boosting the value of the local carbon economy. This project underscores Nantou’s firm commitment to a future centered on circular economies, carbon stock management, and international carbon credit development. ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT The team led by Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Yi from NPUST’s Department of Forestry was commissioned by the county government to serve as the professional technical backbone for the project. Their responsibilities include resource inventory, technical guidance, the introduction of carbon accounting methodologies (carbon footprint verification), and the establishment of the matching platform. Meanwhile, the Nantou County Government will act as a third-party supervisor, guaranteeing the fairness and transparency of the cooperation process. It will also work to replicate and promote the model across other regions within the county. The successful collaboration is expected to set a new standard for local supply chain integration while simultaneously building a sustainable brand for the county and elevating its international visibility. Moving forward, the goal is to continue facilitating cooperative agreements and establish a bamboo production demonstration base centered in Nantou, thereby boosting the local economy, and positioning Nantou as a national benchmark for green industry.

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 26, 2025, to establish a Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Research and Development Demonstration Center. The MOU was formally signed by representatives of the three parties, namely, Minister of Environment Chi-ming Peng, NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang, and Director-General Lao-Tar Juang of the MOA’s Department of Resources Sustainability. This cross-agency collaboration is a direct response to Taiwan’s 2050 Net-Zero Transition Policy, aiming for agricultural sustainability, climate change mitigation, and circular economies. The future Demonstration Center will utilize appropriate Green Technology to convert livestock manure and wastewater into valuable resources, maximizing the sustainable use of biomass and creating lasting environmental and economic benefits. PARTNERSHIP GOALS Minister of Environment Chi-ming Peng highlighted the importance of this inter-ministerial cooperation. He expressed the hope that the center would leverage the parties’ expertise in agriculture to lead by example, integrating academic research with practical application and, most importantly, local education. He anticipates that this three-way partnership will significantly boost industrial training in the Pingtung area. NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang stated that the signing of the MOU with the MOENV and the MOA is a crucial step forward for industry, government, academia, and research institutions in working together toward Taiwan’s agricultural net-zero transition and its development of circular economies. As an institution founded on agriculture, NPUST has broad expertise in smart agriculture, green energy, and environmental sustainability. The new center will serve as an innovative platform for research, demonstration, and outreach by bringing together technological development and educational practices. Director-General Lao-Tar Juang of the MOA’s Department of Resources Sustainability noted that circular agriculture is one of the MOA’s four core strategies for achieving net-zero emissions. He emphasized that this collaboration will initially focus on optimizing and improving the efficiency of biomass energy (bioenergy), starting at NPUST before being expanded to other industrial sectors. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE DEMONSTRATION CENTER The “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Research and Development Demonstration Center” will be located on the NPUST campus and will operate under a model involving industry, government, academia, and research institutions: Industry will provide market demand insights. Government agencies will offer policy guidance. Educational institutions will support talent development and provide the operational venue. Research institutions will contribute technical research and development. NPUST will further support the center by engaging academic units, including the College of Engineering, College of Management, College of Agriculture, and College of Veterinary Medicine, in cross-disciplinary project development, the cultivation of “green-collar” talent, and environmental education. As the only university in the nation focused on tropical agriculture, NPUST’s core strategy is to advance smart technology and sustainable agriculture. With its innovative, advanced digital and intelligent facilities, the “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Research and Development Demonstration Center” is expected to become a vital base for Taiwan’s move toward zero-waste and low-carbon goals and its continuous effort to revitalize local capabilities and drive sustainable regional development.

The Department of Soil and Water Conservation at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) is approaching its 60th anniversary. To mark this significant milestone, the department is hosting a “60th Anniversary Academic Lecture Series” from September to November of this year (2025). The series invites distinguished alumni who have achieved excellence in various fields to return to their alma mater and share their invaluable experiences in their professional domains. The diverse topics include: Agri-food Education Water Resource Recycling and Reuse Monitoring and Prevention of Large-Scale Landslides Career Landscape for Soil and Water Conservation Professionals Career Value for Soil and Water Conservation Engineers Urban Flooding and Challenges The lectures are open to all students and faculty across the university. The department hopes this cross-generational sharing of experiences will deepen academic exchange and inspire students to broaden their professional horizons. Featured Alumni Speakers The lecture series features six distinguished alumni, drawing speakers from both public and private sectors to highlight the varied careers available to SWC graduates. These experts include: Wang Zhi-Wei, Senior Engineer in the Industry Development and Recreation Division of the Agency of Rural Development & Soil and Water Conservation (ARDSWC) under the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Fu Gui-Lin, Director of the Nantou Branch of the ARDSWC, MOA; Dai Xin-Yi, Section Chief of the Rail Operations Section within the Forest Recreation Division of the Agency of Forestry and Nature Conservation, MOA; Fan Shi-Yi, Director-General of the Water Resources Bureau for the Taichung City Government; Chen Zhi-Cheng, President of the National Federation of Professional Soil and Water Conservationists Association; and Guo Yu-Lin, General Manager of Sen-Shan Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. These speakers collectively cover a broad spectrum of expertise, including agricultural policy, water resource management, slope disaster prevention, land development, and urban flood control. Schedule and Information The six lectures are scheduled for September 15, October 13, October 20, October 27, November 10, and November 17, 2025, and will be held in Classroom RE147 of the Department of Soil and Water Conservation. This series will offer a valuable glimpse into the Soil and Water Conservation Department’s 60 years of tradition and innovation and a provide a concrete look at the diverse value that the profession has to offer. It will also serve to highlight the strong connection between the alumni and their alma mater as they join together to celebrate this momentous anniversary. For more information, please visit the NPUST Department of Soil and Water Conservation website. (https://swc.npust.edu.tw/)