Environmental Minister Pledges Attention to Protecting Ciaotou Sugar Factory Forest

(Central News Agency, Reporter Chang Yi-lien, Kaohsiung, July 6) Environmental Minister Peng Chi-ming attended a land greening briefing in Kaohsiung today. Before the meeting, he received an "invitation letter" from former junior high school teacher of President Lai Ching-te, Chien Ching-ying, and others, urging the protection of the 100-hectare forest at the Ciaotou Sugar Factory. Peng Chi-ming accepted the invitation letter and promised to pay attention to the matter.

The third phase development plan for the Kaohsiung New Town has sparked controversy over the preservation of the Ciaotou Sugar Factory forest. Today, Forest City Association Chairman Chuang Chieh-jen and others gathered outside the First Teaching Building of Kaohsiung Medical University, holding signs and umbrellas, shouting slogans such as "Protect forests, resist high temperatures, save lives, ten thousand trees, ten thousand umbrellas." They also invited President Lai and Minister Peng to cycle at the Ciaotou Sugar Factory to experience the importance of forests to the city.

Chuang Chieh-jen mentioned that the nation is promoting the creation of "urban forests," and the Ciaotou Sugar Factory possesses a 100-hectare forest, yet it faces the crisis of being rezoned for development under the "Third Phase of the Kaohsiung New Town" plan. "Partial development and road network connectivity are possible, but don't destroy it all," he said, hoping that the 154 hectares of "quasi-public land" can be properly preserved.

President Lai's former junior high school teacher, Chien Ching-ying, also attended to show her support. She said that after retiring from Wanli Junior High School, she moved to the Ciaotou District and has lived there for over 50 years. She hopes that the Ciaotou Sugar Factory can become the first national-level urban forest demonstration area, preserving this forest as much as possible.

The Environmental Protection Administration held its second social communication briefing session for the "Land Greening Climate Adaptation Plan and Promotion of Wood Resource Circulation" at Kaohsiung Medical University today. Peng Chi-ming attended and received the "invitation letter" from Chuang Chieh-jen and Chien Ching-ying before the meeting. Peng Chi-ming stated that he had received relevant information recently and would continue to pay attention to this matter.

During the briefing, Peng Chi-ming explained that this year is hotter due to a "strong El Niño year," characterized by hotter summers and warmer winters, which will continue into next year, and typhoons will also be stronger.

According to a press release from the Environmental Protection Administration's Climate Change Administration, Peng Chi-ming mentioned that Kaohsiung has long faced multiple challenges including extreme high temperatures, urban heat islands, heavy rainfall, and public health issues. Therefore, promoting land greening is not just about planting trees, but is an important foundation for building healthy and resilient cities.

Peng Chi-ming stated that the land greening plan will be centered around "Nature-Based Solutions." Through green infrastructure such as urban forests, school green spaces, community greening, roadside green corridors, and water-green networks, it will balance cooling, disaster prevention, health, biodiversity, and net-zero benefits, creating a more livable and resilient urban environment.

The Environmental Protection Administration stated that the purpose of this session is to listen to local voices. Relevant opinions will be incorporated into future policy planning and social communication outcomes, serving as the basis for compiling the national action plan by the end of the year. Additionally, it is expected that the outcomes of 50 social communication sessions and scientific evidence-based data will be compiled by the end of the year to propose a six-year national action plan for approval by the Executive Yuan, working together with the public to build a cooler, healthier, and sustainable Taiwan. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150706

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