Last weekend, the Hualien Forest District Office organized a cleanup event on Dayuling Pass (大禹嶺) within Taroko National Park, as part of its “respect nature” and “leave nothing behind” policies.
The event was quite different from the cleanups along paths and in recreation areas that have taken place in the past few years, as some of the areas in the mountains where garbage had accumulated are on steep slopes and not easily accessible.
For this reason, the office recruited about 20 “spidermen,” who abseiled into those areas to clean them.
Over the two days, as much as 4,000kg of garbage was collected, including discarded scooters, washing machines and even hunting rifles.
LACKING RESPECT
In addition to showing that some of the public and a minority of unscrupulous disposal companies still have a way to go in terms of civic awareness, the news also showed that Taiwan needs to respect and value nature more than it currently does.
In terms of management, perhaps the best way to achieve this is through legislation — by introducing laws and punishments.
The problem with this approach is that the “great outdoors” is vast, and there are not enough people to enforce such laws or regulations, and nature cannot send wild animals to hand out fines to people littering or disrespecting the land.
EDUCATION
It is therefore up to individuals to improve public awareness of the problem.
The concept of “leave nothing behind” has gained traction in Taiwan and overseas over the past few years, in the hope that people will conduct themselves appropriately and avoid harm to the natural environment.
In doing so, people can learn to value and respect nature.
When people go into the mountains and forests for recreational activities, it is important to properly dispose of waste, by not carrying in too much equipment or food and making sure that all trash and waste is taken out again.
Attention is needed to ensure water sources do not get polluted with cleaning agents, while excrement should be bagged and any items that cannot be carried out should be disposed of properly.
LEAVE NO TRACE
To this end, anything taken into the mountains needs to be taken home.
Leftover food should be bagged and carried out, trash should not be burned or hidden, and toilet paper should be used minimally — and it should not be left there. Do not leave any trace behind.
People should apply common sense, respect and empathy. If we visit a friend’s house, we show due respect to the host, so why do these principles get thrown out of the window when we step into the great outdoors?
It is said that going into nature is like going home, but how disappointing it would be to return home to find it so defiled.
When policy is trying to encourage people to get out and enjoy the mountains and forests, and to get close to nature, it should not only consider improving facilities and infrastructure, it should also look at ways to promote cultivating a positive attitude to the natural environment.
Loving the environment and respecting nature should not just be a slogan.
Wu Chung-chi is a professor in the Department of Civic Education and Leadership at National Taiwan Normal University.
Translated by Paul Cooper
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