Solar energy, agriculture, conservation, ecosystem services in Eastern Taiwan: Stakeholders meeting

Date: 17th April 2020, 13:30 - 16:30

Venue: Room B216, College of Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University

Attendees: Invited participants from government agencies, NGOs, community representatives, and academics

In recent years, Taiwan has pursued the Energy Transition Policy for sustainable development, in which solar energy plays a critical role. The development of solar energy, however, raises concerns and heated debate about the potential competition of land use priorities in terms of renewable energy, agriculture, and ecosystem services. Protests against solar power facilities are increasing, firstly in western Taiwan, and subsequently in eastern Taiwan since 2019.

The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Ecology and Sustainability (CIRES) at the College of Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, aims to address critical sustainability issues. To resolve the possible trade-offs and synergies among renewable energy, agriculture and conservation goals, the center is calling for the development of a governance platform. The platform aims to facilitate knowledge-based dialogues among stakeholders and achieve better governance processes, policies and outcomes.

The first meeting will look at this focal issue from a national level perspective.