2011 Citi Foundation Eco-tourism Capacity Building Program kicks off
to preserve Taiwan’s ecological environment and rejuvenate local economy
Citi Foundation and Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation kick off the 2011 Citi Foundation Eco-tourism Capacity Building Program today (Feb 15) at National Taiwan University’s Historical Gallery. This campaign marks the first cooperation from diverse fields including professionals from related industries, government agencies and Taiwan’s private sectors. And this time, the ecotourism program will expand its reach to the general public.
Citi Foundation donated US$100,000 to Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation in 2009 to support “the pilot ecological tourism program”. The program has helped to build a strong basis for the future development of Taiwan’s eco-tourism. The program has proposed nine ecological tour routes over the past year, trained over 200 people to be professional tour guide and assisted some local ecotourism agencies. This year, the foundation will inject another US$100,000 to expand the reach by holding a video clip contest, launching three new eco-tours in the targeted areas, increasing the numbers and geographic distribution of the training programs for people in remote communities, hoping to contribute to Taiwan’s ecotourism and sustainable development.
Michelle Liao, Head of Citibank Taiwan’s Country Corporate Affairs, said “Citibank has been making efforts to protect Taiwan’s environment including beach cleaning, tree planting and financing wetland conservation. The eco-tourism program purports to protect Taiwan’s ecosystem and to help local communities invigorate their economies. This program has helped foster Taiwan’s ecotourism development and helped cultivate Chinese and English tour guides. What we have done was just the first step! This year, we will enlarge the coverage of the program in hope of bringing more economic opportunities for local communities. This will also be part of realization of Citi’s long-term commitment to Taiwan. The video clip contest, an eco-friendly approach, is to encourage the public to experience and to advocate eco-tourism. We hope people will embrace the beauty of the nature through this program and local communities will benefit from the activities economically.”
It could be a common misconception that ecotourism is simply about visiting natural wilderness under tough conditions. Factually, we can arrange any ecological tours in any place of Taiwan in any forms in light of Taiwan’s rich natural resources. After the press conference, Chen-meng Kuo, a professor at National Taiwan University, who also dubbed as the godfather of Taiwan’s fern ecology, demonstrated a miniature eco-tour. Kuo introduced the fern garden at National Taiwan University as part of his efforts to advocate ecotourism. This also attests to the public that they do not have to go any remote areas and carry any special gears for an ecological trip. People can take on an ecological tour even in the urban areas of big cities full of concrete skyscrapers.
In contrast to conventional tourism, ecotourism highly respects the ecological nature and local cultures. All visitors will only be conducted on the premise with less pollution and low impact to the environment. Besides, travel guides will encourage tourists to take a close observation of distinctive flora, fauna and local cultural heritages. The beauty of Taiwan’s natural habitats therefore will be reserved for our future generations.
Six of the eco-tourism business benefited from the program’s training earlier said, after participated in this program, they had understood about the region’s flora, fauna, cultural heritages and geological sceneries. Besides, they are able to provide the tour guide as a new service to their eco-tourism accommodation. This new service soon has become popular among their customers, who have transformed tourists into friends of the nature.
Such small scale travel packages equipped with a tour guide can only accommodate smaller group of people, and greatly will reduce the revenues. Lin Yi-chen, CEO of the Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation, said ecotourism travel agents charged higher accommodation fees because of higher costs. However, we are pleased to know that the increasing number of tourists is willing to pay more for more sophisticated service by professional tour guides. Such eco-tourism accommodations have become so popular that sometimes are very difficult to get a reservation over weekends. Lin said, “We are seeing the light for ecotourism to prosper because more and more people enjoy such travel programs. Those who have experienced eco-tourism will exert influence gradually and will attract more ecotourism homestay hosts and travel agents to join us.”
With Taiwan’s economic recovery from global financial crisis, the tourism sector picks up significantly this year. To make easy access for more people to experience the eco-tourism and to attract more people to share their experience to have greater influence, the program this year plans more activities as below:
I. A contest of video clips on eco-tourism for the public:
From now to July 31, participants are required to provide a three-to-five-minute short video shooting at any of the nine ecotourism routes appointed by the organizer and to share their discovery of natural fauna, forest, local cultural and geographic heritages, or profiles of interesting people. Their video clips will be put on the web page of the program to share the natural beauty of Taiwan with Internet users around the world. Participants will also have the chance to win a cash prize of NT$100,000. (For more details about the program and contest, please check the hyperlink: http://greenlife.7stareco.org.tw)
II. Capacity building of Taiwan’s eco-tourism industry:
In order to advocate ecological sustainability via expanding influential scope, this year, experts from different sectors including ecology, management and marketing will keep providing their consultation and trainings to people in the eco-tourism industry. In 2011, we will increase the number of tour guide training sessions and workshops. Besides, we will hold those activities in more areas to reach more remote communities.
1. There will be 9 training sessions to enrich tour guides’ capabilities across Taiwan. Five of them will proceed in Chinese and four in English. Among them, two Chinese sessions and one English session will provide the advanced courses for those who have finished entry-level programs.
2. Workshops for eco-tourism business: the contents will focus on marketing and management. We invited experts from different sectors to provide their professional analysis and advice to local eco-tourism business and agents. To encourage the participants and save the inconvenience from travel, we will increase the number of workshops from one in north Taiwan to three in northern, central and eastern Taiwan.
III. Identifying three new eco-tourism tour routes:
This year, we will add three new ecological tour sites to the existing nine. Those tours will enrich the choices for tourists and ensure the diversities of Taiwan’s eco-tourism. By boosting the number of tour sites, we hope to have greater influence in Taiwan’s environmental protection and sustainability.
IV. Providing ecological tours for bloggers
This year, we will provide a working holiday opportunity for bloggers who love travel and nature. Participants will have the chance to take an eco-tour arranged by the organizer. The winning bloggers will experience the distinctive ecological nature and local culture. They will also have to work to foster economic development for local communities, realizing the ultimate purposes of promoting eco-tourism. (For more information, please check the website http://greenlife.7stareco.org.tw later or contact Ms. Kuan at Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation by phone. The phone number is 2895-4177, extension: 13.)
Also, the task force team, formed by professionals from diverse fields including ecology, management, marketing and representatives from local private sectors, will continue to support the program to enhance the development of Taiwan’s ecological tourism and sustainability.
Photo1：Citi Foundation sponsored Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation for “Green Life in Taiwan – Eco-Tourism Program”, launch an eco-tourism video contest. (From left to right: Professional of National Taiwan University Yang Pin-shih, Citi Foundation representative-Head of Citibank (Taiwan) Corporate Affairs Department Michelle Liao, Head of National Parks Department in Construction and Planning Agency Ministry of Interior Chen Zhen-rong, CEO of Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation Lin Yi-chen)
Photo2:「2011 Ecotourism Video Contest」kick off ceremony, invited everyone together to support the sustainable development of Taiwan. (Left1:Professional of National Taiwan University Yang Pin-shih, Left2:Head of National Parks Department in Construction and Planning Agency Ministry of Interior Chen Zhen-rong, Left3: Citi Foundation representative-Head of Citibank (Taiwan) Corporate Affairs Department Michelle Liao, Left4: CEO of Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation Lin Yi-chen, Right3: Professional of National Taiwan University Kuo Chen-meng)
News contact: Citi Country Corporate Affairs：
Josephine Cheng (02)8726-9686 / Maxine Yang (02)8726-9689
【About Citi】
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com
【About Citi Foundation】
The Citi Foundation is committed to the economic empowerment and financial inclusion of individuals and families, particularly those in need, in the communities where we work so that they can improve their standard of living. Globally, the Citi Foundation targets its strategic giving to priority focus areas: Microfinance, Enterprise Development, Youth Education and Livelihoods, and Financial Capability and Asset Building. The Citi Foundation works with its partners in Microfinance and Enterprise Development to support environmental programs and innovations. Additional information can be found at www.citifoundation.com.
【About Chi Sing Eco-conservation Foundation】
Chi Sing Eco-Conservation Foundation was established in January 1998, which sponsored by Chi Sing Irrigation Association. We conduct and assist environment research, analysis, examination, education, improvement, management, maintain the quality of ecology, to improve the welfare of people and their leisure life. Recently, our project includes Taipei Eco-Festival, Shilling President Residence Eco-Park maintenance, summer camp, biodiversity workshop, eco-tourism and training of narrators. Additional information can be found at http://www.7stareco.org.tw
Attachment：Introduction to the 9 Magnificent Ecology Areas
Theme Location Main Attractions
1.
Golden Age--Seashore ecology and history tour
Ginguashih, in
Taipei County Ginguashih used to be a gold mine. This mountain town area boasts of very unique geological landscapes and mining history. Overlooking a sea bay, it is on the way of northeast monsoons, which deeply influence local ecological environment. Here tourists can see various plants of different temperature zones, such as red nanmu (Machilus thunbergiim,) and flying spider-monkey tree fern (Cyathea lepifera (J.Sm.) Copel,) both growing in subtropical zone. There are also Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsl growing in cool-temperate zone and Pieris taiwanensis Hay growing in temperate zone.
2.
Discover Rain Forests—
Northern Taiwan’s tropical rain forest tour
Dabangan Ecology
Trail, in Taipei County Dabangan, the only rain forest great-roots area in northern Taiwan, is famous for numerous huge tree roots and vines whose sizes are really amazing. Some of the giant trees have been growing for several centuries. This low-altitude rain forest occupies a land area of 20 hectares. Tourists can leisurely observe various plant species in this botanical treasury.
3.
Above the Skyline—
Fog and cloud sea tour
Yemakanshan Forest Trail, in Hsinchu County 1,923 meters above sea level, Hsuehba Farm is near the Hsuehba National Park, which features forests of giant trees such as red cypress and cryptomeria. Its Yemakanshan Forest Trail offers the best access to these precious trees. There is also a 846-meter-long Fog and Cloud Trail along which tourists can see not only trees of temperate and cool-temperate zones but also rare birds and insects, including Taiwan yuhina (Yuhina brunneiceps), Taiwan sibia (Heterophasia auricularis), green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus) , and the very precious broad-tailed swallowtail butterfly (Agehana maraho).
4.
KORAW Paradise—
Atayal nature and culture tour
Giant Trees Trail & Koraw Ecology Trail, in Hsinchu County Smangus (an Atayal name) is an exemplary tribal community, which is co-governed by local Atayal aborigines. 1,500 meters above sea level, this wonderland boasts of 2 giant red cypress trees which rank 2nd and 3rd in Taiwan in terms of age. Inside the Koraw Ecology Park there is a trail offering tourists an unforgettable ecology journey. A personal visit to Smangus will expand your horizon by knowing many secrets about the magical nature.
4.
Ecology Park
—Mountain lake and falcon-
watching tour
Whitehorse Pavilion Mountain-climbing Trail, in Chiayi County Dapu township is situated in the upstream of Tsengwen Reservoir. Inside the water head protection area, it has abundant ecological resources including indigenous plants, fishes, insects, and birds. There are over 60 bird species while the number of falcons accounts for 1/4 of Taiwan’s total amount. The nearby Whitehorse Pavilion Mountain-climbing Trail is a historical path along which tourists can observe many rare animals and plants such as different bats and the precious Formosan giant cicada (Formotosema siebohmi)..
6.
Birds Playground—Cloud zone ecology tour Sky lake footpaths
Footpaths in the forest Dashueshan (Great Snow Mountain), an area with mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests, is the best bird habitat, and hence tourists can spot some rare species such as Mikado’s pheasants, Swinhoe’s pheasants, yellow tits, and woodpeckers. Other typical singing or colorful birds include nutcrackers, Formosan laughing thrushs, white ear sibias, formosan hill partridge, green backed tit, vivid niltava, and pied wheatear. At night, Dashueshan is an ideal place for observing stars. There are also abundant insects with moths in particular, such as Brahmophthalma wallichii, and Loepa katinka formosensis.
7. Return to Ancient
Time—
Historical sites and ecology tour
Batonguan Historic Trail & the Rainbow Trail, in Hualien County The Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) Batonguan Historic Trail stretches east across the main ridges of the Central Range and is the oldest cross-island road in Taiwan and a class-A National Historic Trail. During the Japanese occupation, the Batonguan Cross Mountain Trail was built from 1919 to 1921, passing through the Central Range, whereas the Ching Dynasty Batonguan Historic Trail was closed. These 2 trails are two different systems. There are many cultural remains along the latter trail, left by the aboriginal Bununs, the Japanese, and the Hans. The Batonguan Historic Trail built by the Japanese is located 140-3,280 m above sea level and has both broadleaved forests and mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests, which shelter many fauna and flora species. There is also the Rainbow Trail behind the Dongpu Hot Spring Area. Offering magnificent ecological views, this 1-km footpath is suitable for people of different ages.
8.
Meet Fireflies and Frogs—
Creative ecology tour
Lichia Forest Trail,
In Taitung County The Lichia Forest Trail is in the southern part of the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley in eastern Taiwan, and is easily accessible from Taitung City. Tourists can not only take a forest bath inside the low-altitude broad-leaved forest but also witness the sight of various fireflies, frogs, birds, insects, and ferns. It is worth mentioning that Lichia has 14 species of frogs, among which the orange-belly green tree frog (Rhacophorus aurantiventris) is most precious. The number of this endemic species recorded at Lichia is the largest in Taiwan. Here you can also experience colorful aboriginal culture.
9.
Explore Wetlands—
Railway ecology tour
Dapuo Pond Trail, in Taitung County The Dapuo Pond is a national wetland beside the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley. It is a marshland formed by a geological fault and its water head is the Hsinwulu Stream. There are over 20 fish species and over 60 bird species. The Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley is located in the connecting and crushing area of the Eurasia Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, thus being endowed with special geological resources. Tourists getting off at Chishang Railway Station can walk for only 30 minutes to get here. So this is also a good chance to enjoy the interesting landscapes along the railway. Chishang is famous for best-quality rice, which is very popular around Taiwan.
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