A strategy of sustainable environment management: The case study of Wutai Township in Taiwan

After Typhoon Morakot in 2009, the Taiwanese government relocated three indigenous villages to the lowland, leading to changes in traditional lifestyles and customs. Using the Wutai community as a case study, this paper suggests a strategy for sustainable post-disaster indigenous development. The paper focuses on two issues, the traditional land use of Rukai people in Wutai Township and their methods used regarding village relocation, afforestation and mountain patrol after Typhoon Morakot. Our research found that about 73.0% of locals who agree with afforestation in Aboriginal territory, 54.3% would like to sign a contract with the government which lasts more than twenty years, and 84.5% wish to be included in mountain patrol. Therefore, we propose that a mountain patrol foundation be established, to be responsible for the recruitment of mountain patrol members, planning afforestation, and conservation. Moreover, through the foundation, a mountain academy might be established, which could handle dynamic activities and systematize disciplines so as to link traditional environmental knowledge and modern conservation skills. Also, the foundation could help the local communities to develop eco-tourism and other related industries to increase local incomes and conservation funds, as a step towards sustainable development.