Crossing Mountains and Seas to Safeguard Nature, Opening a New Chapter in Sustainable Conservation

To deepen international conservation networks and enhance the visibility of sustainable governance in national parks, the Taroko National Park Headquarters, under the National Park Service of the Ministry of the Interior, announced today (March 24th) that it has officially signed an agreement with the Hallasan National Park Management Office of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea, establishing a sister national park relationship.

National Park Service Director-General Wang Cheng-ji emphasized that this partnership not only marks the second Taiwan–Korea alliance following Yangmingshan National Park and Gyeongju National Park, but also a significant milestone towards internationalization of the “Team National Park” concept and strengthening the resilience of global ecological corridors.

Sustainable Commitment Across Mountains and Seas: Joining Forces to Embrace Global Trends

In his remarks at the witnessing ceremony, Director-General Wang pointed out that today marks the 56th anniversary of Hallasan National Park, and it is also an important moment celebrating the 40th anniversary of Taroko National Park. Both parks are endowed with world-class natural assets. Hallasan, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, is renowned for its volcanic geology and vertical ecological zonation, while Taroko is celebrated for its spectacular marble gorges formed by ancient tectonic uplift.

Wang stated that, in the face of global challenges posed by climate change and loss of biodiversity, the National Park Service is actively incorporating the spirit of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). By building transnational partnerships, Taiwan shares its practical experience in habitat restoration and sustainable governance, working together to safeguard sustainable assets for all.

Advancing Public–Private Collaboration and International Engagement

Taroko National Park Director Liu Shou-li highlighted that “partnerships” play a key role in advancing sustainable conservation efforts. He expressed gratitude to Hallasan National Park Director Jeong Geun-sik for leading a delegation to Taiwan on this important occasion and formally establishing the sister park relationship. 

In addition to fostering internal connections with experts, scholars, volunteers, communities and the wider public domestically, Taroko National Park’s alliance with Hallasan brings international expertise and energy into the national park system. Liu stressed that partners are not only able to support one another, but also stand as a vital force in working together, offering encouragement, and moving forward hand in hand. Looking ahead, he expresses hope to foster more experience-sharing and exchanges with Hallasan National Park in areas such as conservation research and the diverse aspects of national park management. 

Director Jeong likewise expressed his delight at establishing a sister park relationship with Taroko National Park, and shared his anticipation for expanded collaboration in the future.

At the signing ceremony, photographs of Taroko’s Taiwan Rhododendron and Hallasan’s Azalea—two closely related species within the rhododendron family —were specially displayed, symbolizing the shared commitment of both parks to walk hand in hand on the path of conservation.

Director-General Wang concluded by emphasizing that the National Park Service will continue to foster exchanges and cooperative partnerships with national parks worldwide. By transforming sustainable governance into a part of everyday culture, Taiwan’s national parks will not only serve as treasured repositories of natural resources, but also as vital sites for engaging with international conservation trends and advancing climate resilience.