Page 50 - 2018 Annual Report Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan

Collective Innovation Sustainable Management Unit 2: Building Agricultural Models D. Promoting environmental education Nature Centers around Taiwan provided high quality learning opportunities about the forest environment for more than 100,000 people in 2018. In addition, using the Learn, Forest—Collection of Forest Environmental Education Teaching Material books as the foundation, the COA trained 280 seed educators to promote forest environmental education. Moreover, we worked together with local governments, non-governmental organizations, communities, and businesses to promote citizen participation in the operations management of protected forest, so that everyone can share the service value of forest ecological systems. At the “2018 Forest Festival,” more than 5,000 people experienced lifestyles based on environmental protection, carbon reduction, and carbon fixation. E. Promoting nature conservation In order to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, in 2018 the COA ensured the integrity of 85 protected areas, conducted 9,229 habitat patrols, discovered and eliminated hunting equipment in 409 cases, conducted nine preventions of invasive species, and rescued and provided medical treatment to 6,089 animals of protected species being illegally smuggled. Also, care and medical treatment were given to 5,200 wild animals by the animal shelters of municipalities, cities and counties, and there were 434 “virtual identications” of wildlife. The COA also handled 245 cases of beached whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. We have also worked with religious groups to operate four areas for the release of captive animals into the wild. In addition, the COA approved 245 applications from local governments The COA subsidized the erection of electronic fences for farmers in Manzhou Township of Pingtung County in order to reduce conflicts between people and macaques. The restoration of the terraced paddy fields in Gongliao brings back harmonious co-existence between man and nature. 48