Professor Chien-Chih, Chen
- ◆ Becoming a Conservation Expert
- ◆ From Biodiversity to Ecological Civilization
- ◆ Ecosystem Conservation Techniques
- ◆ Contribution to the Community
Tea Grower You-Li, Wang
Professor Chien-Chih, Chen
◆ Contribution to the Community
Professor Chen was a strong advocate for the Satoyama Initiative, a global effort to protect and sustainably manage local ecosystems. He attended numerous lectures and workshops on the initiative and its implementation, encouraging local authorities and communities to adopt the principles and practices of the initiative. He also advised these groups on how to create a biodiversity-rich environment and how to establish the necessary infrastructure for its protection. Below are some examples of his contributions.
Huo-Jin-Gu Tea in Ankeng
Through the help of Professor Chen, Huo-Jin-Gu Tea has become a symbol of people in Ankeng to preserve the environment. With the population aging and people increasingly conscious of health issues, the local tea growers were losing their customers. However, Professor Chen's suggestion to start growing organic tea and to give it the special name of Huo-Jin-Gu Tea, inspired by the community's many fireflies, has enabled them to find a place in the market. It is also a way to rediscover the value of their traditional methods. With the support of the local government, the tea is made with organic materials, without the use of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The tea is also certified by the government as a “green tea”. The tea has been very popular and has won many awards. People from all over the country have come to Ankeng to buy the tea, and it has brought a lot of wealth to the community. Huo-Jin-Gu Tea is a great example of how sustainable development can have a positive impact on the environment and the local communities.
Terraced Field in Bajen
Situated in the beautiful countryside of Bajen, which translates to 'eight smoke' in Chinese owing to the mist that often surrounds the mountain, is the steep terraced field built by andesite since ancient times. However, similar to Ankeng, Bajen has an aging population with an average age of 75 years old, leaving many elderly farmers isolated in the area. Upon visiting Bajen, Professor Chen discovered the habitat of frogs, dragonflies, and fireflies, and committed to helping the farmers grow tea organically.
(Photo by CURLYHAIR)
used andesite to build terraced fields.
(Photo by CURLYHAIR)
Water Terraces in Songshan
The Songshan community in New Taipei City is located between the Datun Mountain Range and the Northern Coastline. It is one of the few communities in Taiwan with terraced fields as its main landscape. Unfortunately, due to decreasing rural population and aging population, the rich biodiversity of these water terraces has been neglected. However, through the promotion of Professor Chen, the community has taken on the goal of restoring the landscape and ecology of the water terraces according to the concept of the Satoyama Initiative. This includes restoring the original appearance and production function of the terraces.
(Photo by Songshan Community Development Council)