Limitations of Logging Ban Compensation

In the Atayal community of Hbun-sinqumi (Heliu) in Fuxing District, Taoyuan, the Ruma Studio is named after “”bamboo”” in the Atayal language. Two individuals lead the studio with distinct focuses: Liru Li is dedicated to forestry promotion and organizes bamboo forest experiences, while Ashan heads Youshun Bamboo Industry Co.,Ltd., which specializes in bamboo harvesting. Although their roles differ, both are deeply connected to bamboo forestry and face similar challenges.

In their exploration of bamboo-related issues, they found that community members encounter numerous obstacles when applying for compensation for logging bans. These include complex land calculation methods, conflicting administrative processes, and a lack of familiarity with land management among elderly community members, leading some to forgo applications. For example, Youshun Bamboo Industry noted that unclear government responsibilities create significant barriers. One agency requires a lease agreement for the application, while another agency demands approval before issuing the lease, creating contradictions that delay progress and stall initiatives.

Another issue is that drainage ditches in bamboo forest areas have been paved with concrete by other users, preventing the land from being managed as complete forest land. Even simple requests, such as building a shelter, have faced long administrative delays. As a result, basic needs like restrooms, rest areas, and shade for workers during the summer remain unaddressed.

Expanding this issue to the entire community, land surveying and registration are common challenges. Since bamboo forests are often located on slopes, standard flatland measurement methods are unsuitable, and the lack of clear standards for forest area measurement makes data accuracy difficult to achieve. Additionally, many elder community members did not register their land in the past, leading to unresolved land distribution issues. Even for those who do have forest land, very few receive logging ban compensation—only about 0.8% of those eligible.

Since Taiwan’s natural forest logging ban was enacted 30 years ago, the forestry industry has gradually declined. Government regulations require a 70% bamboo canopy cover, allowing only thinning rather than clear-cutting. However, the costs associated with selective thinning are much higher than those for clear-cutting. Clear-cutting would not only provide more space in the bamboo forest but also promote healthier bamboo growth. Yet, the restrictions imposed by the logging compensation regulations may deter those interested in managing bamboo forests. This raises the question of whether these limitations have outweighed the positive effects of the policy, warranting deeper examination.

What is Thinning? How is Thinning Conducted?

In bamboo forests, large quantities of bamboo grow annually, resulting in the accumulation of excess bamboo, which is either unsellable or lacks storage space. Without management, these bamboo clusters can increase the risk of forest fires. To maintain forest canopy cover, Youshun Bamboo Industry manages bamboo forests through thinning.

The thinning process begins with workers clearing paths for safe access by transport vehicles. After harvesting, bamboo shoots are removed to make the bamboo suitable for use. Due to narrow roads that accommodate only one vehicle, the weight and length of the bamboo must be carefully calculated in advance to avoid scraping or getting stuck during transport.

A cable yarder is used for remote bamboo harvesting locations. This involves attaching cables to the truck, which are then connected to steel posts and machinery to haul the bamboo to the destination. This method is both fast and safe, enabling efficient transport of bamboo from hard-to-reach areas.

The Necessity of Industry Upgrades

Throughout the bamboo harvesting and transport process, the Youshun Bamboo Industry has recognized the critical need for industry upgrades. Community work cannot rely solely on manual labor, as returning young people need viable economic opportunities. If they come back only to perform low-paying, labor-intensive jobs, it often reinforces a perception that they returned because they “”couldn’t make it”” elsewhere. To counter this, the bamboo industry must modernize its equipment and technology. Upgrading will not only improve efficiency but also instill a sense of pride in young workers, encouraging them to stay in the community and inject renewed vitality to the bamboo industry.