Concerns over reforesting projects in the Huben-Hushan area

The ongoing construction of the Hushan Reservoir has resulted in the destruction of hundreds of valuable hectares of forest in and around the Huben-Hushan important bird area. Recently the government declared a Fairy Pitta protected area within the greater Huben-Hushan area. The Fairy Pitta protected area largely came as a surprise to environmental and conservation groups and they were sidelined and not involved in the establishment of the protected area. The setting up of the protected area was rushed through the legal process. Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association did submit concerns to keep the door open should a legal challenge to the process become necessary. Many environmentalists are concerned that the establishment of the protected area was merely a front for opening up other areas to gravel extraction.

Recently, it has come to our attention that some reforestation projects are being planned for 2009. Again, this should be good news but some past so-called reforestation projects in Taiwan have been nothing more than destructive green-washing gimmicks where native vegetation was cleared so non native trees could be planted. It was more about somebody's uncle's cousin's brother making money unloading exotic saplings than meaningful reforestation projects.

We'll be watching developments closely and post more information as soon as we get it.


Also see: Chinese or nothing ! The Fairy Pitta Protected Area letter response