Introduction - 中央大學USR

ABOUT

Introduction

Exploring “local DNA” as the cornerstone of sustaining local life and livelihoods is essential. A comprehensive approach to addressing various structural challenges and formulating effective solutions is key to the survival and development of local industries. This project, deeply rooted in the Fuxing District of Taoyuan City, prioritizes “sustainability” with the aim of achieving a harmonious balance between industry advancement and forest preservation. Beyond continuously enhancing community resilience, ensuring environmental sustainability, advocating for sound industrial policies, and nurturing local talent, the project also focuses on aligning with regulations, facilitating energy transitions, and exploring bamboo forest carbon sequestration. The ultimate goal is to leverage interdisciplinary collaboration to drive local climate action, environmental stewardship, and public governance, further strengthening the resilience and vitality of the Fuxing indigenous community.

Addressing climate change is not just a challenge but also an opportunity for transformation and growth. In this phase of the project, we will build on previous achievements while integrating new focus areas to further advance sustainable development in Fuxing District.

For the Smart Disaster Prevention sub-project, we will enhance local disaster resilience by strengthening community-led preparedness and response capabilities. The Energy and Carbon Reduction sub-project will continue driving net-zero carbon initiatives and renewable energy development, fostering opportunities for community energy transition and greening efforts. The Sustainable Environment sub-project will provide environmental data to nurture local talent while promoting a balance between ecological conservation and industry growth. Lastly, the Culture and Industry sub-project will integrate technology and cultural innovation to support the economic development and heritage preservation of the Atayal people in Fuxing District.

Smart Disaster Prevention
Strengthening Community Resilience Amidst Intensifying Climate Change.

Typhoons and heavy rainfall frequently trigger landslides and rockfalls, making them the most critical natural hazards in Fuxing District. According to the Central Geological Survey, Fuxing District is classified as a high-risk area, particularly in regions prone to dip slopes, falling rocks, and rock mass movements. Following typhoons or extreme rainfall, the district faces a high probability of becoming isolated due to road blockages and power outages, with remote mountain villages being the most vulnerable. These conditions make evacuation and rescue efforts even more challenging. To address this, our team continues to enhance disaster resilience in both front-mountain and remote high-risk villages, ensuring that communities are equipped with the necessary self-protection capabilities when disasters strike.

Energy and carbon reduction
Developing Green Energy and Microgrids to Prevent Power Isolation and Advance Carbon Reduction Goals.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration reports that extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years, with stronger typhoons and increased heavy rainfall. These conditions elevate the risks of landslides and road damage, exacerbating isolation challenges for Fuxing District. The unstable power supply caused by these natural disasters poses severe challenges to daily life and overall community resilience. To mitigate these risks, our team is actively evaluating and deploying renewable energy solutions, including microgrids, to provide emergency power reserves. This initiative aims to enhance self-sufficiency, ensuring that local communities have reliable backup power to maintain essential functions during emergencies.

Sustainable Environment
Enhancing Environmental Education and Resource Management to Safeguard the Community.

Shihmen Reservoir is one of northern Taiwan’s most vital water sources, and Fuxing District, as a key watershed area, plays a crucial role in water conservation. Despite this responsibility, some parts of the district continue to experience water shortages and uneven distribution. In terms of air quality, while the district is located in a mountainous region, the assumption that “mountain air is always clean” can be misleading. Without proper awareness and monitoring, residents may overlook potential air quality issues, reducing their ability to take preventive measures.

Additionally, the Ministry of Environment has introduced new regulations aimed at improving natural water quality and managing wastewater from campgrounds. However, it remains uncertain whether local campground operators are fully prepared to comply with these updated policies. To support environmental sustainability, our team is committed to ongoing environmental monitoring, providing real-time assessments of water and air quality, and offering guidance to help local businesses adapt to new regulatory requirements. By strengthening environmental governance, we aim to foster a more sustainable and resilient community.

Culture and industry
Revitalizing the Bamboo Industry and Preserving Atayal Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Development.

Bamboo is deeply embedded in Atayal culture and daily life, serving as both a traditional resource and a key material for climate adaptation and renewable energy development. However, the bamboo industry faces challenges related to structural inefficiencies, environmental management, and policy implementation. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for revitalizing the industry and ensuring its long-term sustainability. To support this effort, our team is actively promoting local bamboo industry development, assisting in the establishment of a bamboo processing facility in northern Taiwan, and advocating for supportive policies to advance sustainable forestry practices.

Furthermore, while mountain schools are often perceived as lacking resources, the real challenge lies in the shortage of long-term, dedicated educators who can guide and support students effectively. To address this gap, our team is integrating university expertise with local educational needs, fostering culturally sensitive approaches to learning and community engagement. Through this initiative, we aim to empower indigenous communities with knowledge and skills that contribute to their long-term development and cultural preservation.

Smart Disaster Prevention （the preliminary stage is smart disaster prevention）
Respond to the extreme climate change and upgrade the self-defense capability in disaster prevention.

The major disasters to Fuxing District include earthquake, floods, natural disaster on mountain slope, of which tropical storms and torrential rain will be detrimental to the district. The tribes at the back side of the mountain in Fuxing District are exposed to high disaster risk. The climatic condition is very different from the front side and the area is remote. This is an important route to Yilan. If hit by tropical storm, torrential rain, or earthquake, this zone will become isolated due to the crack of the mountain. In a situation like this, compulsory evacuation will be difficult. Under this subsidiary scheme, observation on the factors of weakness of this zone will be continued. With the data from observation and analysis, a multi-facet disaster prevention and climate governance strategy will be conveyed.
Energy and carbon reduction（smart energy at the preliminary stage）
Demonstration of building up green energy and micro power grid to avoid becoming an isolated zone of power supply, and move toward the goal of carbon reduction.

Taiwan is located at the zone of frequent earthquakes on the Pacific Fire Ring and the route of tropical storms in west Pacific. Natural disasters are highly likely to cause interruption of traffic and communication at the rural mountainous area. This is particularly serious in communication and power supply cut off. Fuxing District of Taoyuan City is at the remote mountainous zone where transportation is inconvenient. Power cut off will handicap the control of the situation in the district and turn it into an isolated zone, which eventually delays rescue in disaster. The subsidiary scheme of “”net zero carbon emission”” is action oriented, and aims as the transformation of energy congruent with the specific features of the place.
Sustainable Environment（Sustainable water resources is the preliminary stage）
Promotion of topics of the land in environment and advocacy of protecting the environment.

Shimen Reservoir is the most important reservoir in north Taiwan and the primary supply of water to New Taipei, Taoyuan City and Hukou Town of Hsinchu County for public use. Fuxing District is the most important city jurisdiction of the water collection zone of Shimen Reservoir. In general, most people agree that the air quality is good, as Fuxing District is in the mountain. But the reverse is true. This subsidiary scheme linked to the “”water resources””, “”air quality””, “”reuse of solid waste”” and other focuses of education in order to create an indigenous community conceived with the central idea of “”sustainable environment””.
Culture and industry（Innovation of the tribes at the preliminary stage）
Development of the local business of Phyllostachys makinoi Hayata to prompt for sustainable development of the tribes.

Plantation of makino bamboo is plenty in Fuxing District, which is a kind of essential material for the traditional way of life of Taiya people. This kind of bamboo booms extensively and has a quick growth rate. Bamboo is a kind of material that worthy using. The enactment of “”The Logging Ban Compensation for Lands Reserved for Indigenous Peoples Act”” caused the significant decline of bamboo production in Taiwan. Overgrown bamboo forest and old bamboo forest without revitalization pose potential threat to water and soil conservation and the environment. The bamboo cutters were affected and cannot make a decent life by cutting bamboo, and they departed from their hometown for other kinds of work. The youths of these indigenous tribes cannot smell any future of the industry in this place and are not willing to engage in this profession. The bamboo industry in Taiwan from upstream to downstream simply lacks the momentum in operation. This subsidiary scheme aims at the full-range advocacy and links to the industry in itself, policy aspect, and environmental issues of the bamboo industry for protecting the livelihood of the indigenous residents.

Address	A103 Room, 1st Floor, Building 5, No. 300, Zhongda Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City
Email	ncuceusr@g.ncu.edu.tw

Phone	+886-422-7151 #34000
Fax	+886-422-6315
Privacy Policy