World Environment Day: Taiwan's National Environmental Research Institute Offers Subsidies for Disadvantaged Groups to Obtain Environmental Education Certification

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Shufen, Taipei, June 5) Today is the United Nations' World Environment Day and also the 15th anniversary of the implementation of Taiwan's Environmental Education Act. The National Environmental Research Institute (NERI) has launched an enhanced subsidy program for environmental education personnel certification targeting low-income households and people with disabilities, with a maximum subsidy of NT$15,000.

According to a press release from NERI, individuals who register for "training courses" offered by certified environmental education institutions can receive a maximum tuition subsidy of NT$15,000 per person. Those participating in "study courses" can receive a maximum subsidy of NT$4,500. This initiative aims to encourage diverse groups to enter the green industry. Detailed information on training courses and the latest class schedules can be found and registered on the official website (https://reurl.cc/X2NRn3).

NERI Director General Chang Shun-chin stated that Taiwan's environmental education personnel certification has six pathways: academic qualifications, training, experience, expertise, examination, and recommendation. Among these, the "academic qualifications" and "training" pathways are the most common. Individuals with exceptional contributions to the field of environmental education can obtain national-level certification through the "recommendation" pathway.

According to NERI regulations, those using the "academic qualifications" pathway must complete 24 credits in environment-related fields, including 6 credits from three core subjects: environmental education, environmental ethics, and environmental education teaching materials and methods. If the total credits are sufficient but these three subjects are missing, they can be supplemented by attending a 30-hour core subject study program organized by an environmental education institution.

NERI statistics show that as of the end of May, a cumulative total of 12,000 people across Taiwan have obtained environmental education personnel certification. Of these, 5,593 (approximately 47%) obtained it through the "academic qualifications" pathway.

For the "training" pathway, NERI requires participation in training courses organized by the issuing authority or certified environmental education institutions, with a minimum of 100 hours of training and a passing evaluation. According to NERI statistics, 2,020 people (approximately 17%) have obtained certification through the "training" pathway.

Director General Chang stated that certified professionals are deeply involved in environmental education institutions and facilities across Taiwan, shouldering key responsibilities in curriculum planning, administrative promotion, and on-site interpretation and exhibition. They are an indispensable core force in Taiwan's transition towards green transformation. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150605