2005-05-11
President Chen shui-bien Meets with Members of the International Taiwan Birding Association

            Remarks made by President Chen Shui-bien while meeting with members of the International Taiwan Birding Association in the Office of the President, Taipei, May 11, 2005:

            ”I'd like to extend my most sincere welcome to our friends from the International Taiwan Birding Association (ITBA).  All of you are long-term birders that have been promoting conservation of natural habitat, as well as sharing Taiwan's birding information with the international community.  Your contribution and achievements are worthy of our praise and commendation.

            ”Since both the tropical and sub-tropical climate zones exist in Taiwan, various kinds of eco-systems thrive on this island.  Moreover, given Taiwan's unique and rather complicated landscape, and the abundance of rainfall, multiple types of habitats are created as ideal places for different bird species.  In recent years, the Birdlife International has listed Taiwan as an "Important Bird Area", for there are more than 500 species of wild birds being recorded, and 15 endemic bird species

            ”As the human population grows and technology develops, the expansion of human activities and space occupied have posed great threat to the other species and their habitats.  In conservation work, we hold the same belief to all species and all creation: that we will not allow any species to disappear and die out as a result of human activities.  Taiwan is very densely populated, both in human population and in the variety of species ranging from the frigid, temperate to tropical zones.  Therefore, we face even greater challenges and must devote more resources to protect our environment.  In the past many years, apart from establishing conservation areas and re-creating natural habitats, Taiwan also holds various international birding activities, such as the Taipei Bird Watching Fair and E-Birds Global Educational Initiative for Save the Birds Series.  These efforts are made in the hope that through the collaboration of the government, private sector and NGOS, more awareness could be raised regarding the conservation of natural environment.

            ”Birding is a very good recreational activity, and it can also be a good outreach to the international society.  In recent years, the ITBA and other international birding associations have fostered solid friendship and shared much knowledge through eco-tours and birding tours to Taiwan.

            ”Eco-tourism is a responsible way to walk into in nature.  Since the UN's announcement of 2002 as the International Year of Eco-tourism, eco-tourism has become the fastest growing part of the tourist industry.  Taiwan has all the advantages and environment to promote eco-tourism.  Taiwan's efforts and achievements in conservation and rehabilitation of habitats have also received international recognition.  I am confident that in the future, if we can maximize revenue from eco-tourism while utilizing our natural resources in a wise and environmentally friendly way, we will be able to strike a good balance between development and environmental conservation.

            ”At the end of the year, The Waterbird Society will hold a “2005 Waterbirds Special International Meeting” in Tainan, Taiwan.  Academics, experts and birders will have a great opportunity to get together and share their experiences.  I'd like to thank you all for your efforts and I am most grateful that Taiwan would have this chance to host such an important international event—which will allow more people to witness the achievements and efforts we have made in bird-life conservation, protection of eco-systems and habitats.  If time permits, I will personally attend this international conference.

            ”It is worth mentioning is that in my hometown, Kuantian of Tainan County, the government established a rehabilitation area for Pheasant-tailed Jacanas in 2000.  In the past four years, we have seen a jacana population growth of more than 7 times, which is indeed quite remarkable.  It is the joint effort of both the government and many conservation workers.  Whenever I have a chance to visit this rehabilitation area, I am always touched by the beautiful sight of these jacanas, knowing that with our dedication, their fate has been altered and they have been saved from extinction.  It is very much like the reconstruction work after the severe earthquake that hit the central part of Taiwan on September 21, 1999.  The earthquake took away many dear lives and homelands, but with concerted efforts, now the reconstruction work is near completion and the earthquake-stricken area has become attractive for eco-tourism.  I am confident that if there is a will, there is a way to reconstruction and rehabilitation—that is where Taiwan's vitality lies.”

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            North American environmental protection people Mrs. Jo Ann MacKenzie, Mr. Hue MacKenzie, Mr. Macdonald Burbidge, Mrs. Wilda Burbidge, Ms. Eva Durance, Dr. Peter C. Ferrera, Mr. Karsten Hartel, Ms. Madelon Schouten, Mr. David Stirling, along with Mr. Liao Shih-Ching (Simon Liao), Mr. Wu Ten-Di, Mrs. Kao Su-Hua (Linda Kao), Mr. Tai Chen-Yao (Deputy Minister, Council of Agriculture), Senator Yang Chung-Tse, Mr. Lin Shien-Wen (Steven Lin, President, Wild Bird Federation Taiwan), and Mr. Liu Chun-Kai, came to the President’s Office.