A group of young Indonesian leaders recently visited Taiwan’s ecotourism communities to gain firsthand experience in sustainable development. The National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) organized this important trip as part of the Ministry of Education’s University Social Responsibility (USR) project. This initiative focuses on promoting the Satoyama concept, which integrates nature conservation with local economic development.
From July 7 to July 13, three Indonesian youth leaders toured five distinct locations. Two of the leaders represent Indigenous groups from Flores Island’s Lio and Manggarai tribes. During their visit, they explored Taiwan’s ecotourism communities in diverse settings. These include Kabalelhadhane in Wutai Township, as well as Lide and Gangkou in Manzhou Township, all situated in Pingtung County. Additionally, they visited Liugui District in Kaohsiung and Mingde in Touwu Township, Miaoli.
These communities showcase Taiwan’s dedication to biodiversity preservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable economic growth. More importantly, they highlight how local engagement builds strong ecotourism foundations. Taiwan’s ecotourism communities prove that long-term cooperation can balance environmental care with community benefits.
Professor Chen Mei-hui of NPUST emphasized that the USR project aims to foster international dialogue on sustainable development. She explained the importance of sharing the Satoyama economy model, which supports both nature and people. Furthermore, the project helps establish new ecotourism networks linking Taiwan with Southeast Asian countries. These partnerships will promote cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices.
In conclusion, the Indonesian youth leaders gained valuable insights by visiting Taiwan’s ecotourism communities. They witnessed successful models of environmental stewardship combined with economic opportunities. This experience will empower them to advocate for similar initiatives in their home country. The project reflects Taiwan’s commitment to leading regional efforts in sustainable community development.
By focusing on Taiwan’s ecotourism communities, this initiative paves the way for stronger international cooperation. It also inspires future leaders to prioritize ecological balance alongside economic progress.
