Seven university students from Kyoto, Japan recently visited the Taitung Sustainability Ark as part of the “2025 Japan-Taiwan Satoyama Exchange” program, co-organized by the Community Forestry Center of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture. Through immersive learning, the students gained first-hand understanding of how Taitung integrates the concept of a “slow economy” with environmental education, resource circulation, and sustainable living. The Taitung Environmental Protection Bureau noted that this international youth exchange not only deepened the students’ understanding of Taiwan’s environmental policies, but also showcased how Taitung is blending local culture with green values.
The Taitung County Government stated that as the world faces challenges such as environmental degradation and climate change, environmental education and cultural exchange play an increasingly critical role. This international youth engagement not only enhances awareness of Taiwan’s environmental efforts, but also reflects Taitung’s innovative integration of cultural identity and sustainability. The Taitung Sustainability Ark incorporates local environmental and lifestyle experiences, actively promotes civic participation and ecological action, and serves as a key site where international youth can witness Taitung’s sustainable strengths.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, the Kyoto students began their visit at the Ark’s first floor digital interactive learning area, where they experienced immersive environmental education content. They then explored the second-floor exhibition space to learn about Taitung’s achievements in energy conservation, carbon reduction, and green living. The final stop was the third floor’s furniture exhibition made from domestic timber, which demonstrated the connection between local industry and sustainability. The students also took part in a DIY workshop using recycled badminton shuttlecocks to create eco-friendly keychains—transforming waste into functional keepsakes and experiencing the spirit of “environmentalism as a way of life.”
The Bureau added that the Taitung Sustainability Ark is built on three core themes: “Environment,” “Ecology,” and “Sustainability.” It is a learning venue that combines education and hands-on experiences. In the future, Taitung will continue expanding international exchanges and fostering youth recognition of sustainability, laying the groundwork for a greener future.
