The meeting was held on October 23rd in Taipei and discussed global wetland issues. The world’s leading wetland scientists, senior UN officials and ROC government officials were in attendance.

The lecture topics included changes in wetland concepts in Asia, the main reasons for the current shrinking and disappearance of wetlands, Panama’s wetland protected area system, global and community participation and education and use of ecosystem methods for the sensible use and management of wetlands.  

ROC Minister of the Interior Liao Liao-yi said that Taiwan has 75 nationally-important wetlands at present. These wetlands are important habitat for wild animals and plants and they are also excellent eco-tourism spots for domestic and international tourists. In recent years, Taiwan has made a big effort in the area of wetland conservation and it is hoped that the international community will see its environmental conservation efforts. ROC President Ma said that he hopes that Taiwan can join the “Convention on Wetlands of International Importance” at an early date, adding Taiwan’s important wetlands to the list of wetlands managed under the convention, so Taiwan can make a major contribution to international ecological conservation.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior (CPAMI)