Adjusting use and management of farmland

Flexible management of how farmland is used

It is vital that Taiwan’s rural economy diversify. In the past land use was dominated by the overriding concern for “production.” Today, we think more in terms of “chains of value,” a concept that requires more flexible and lively use of our nation’s land, and we are devoting ever-growing attention to “value-added.” In pursuit of this goal, in 2013 the COA announced amendments to three major sets of land regulations: (1) those governing the determination of whether or not land zoned for agriculture is in fact being used for agricultural purposes; (2) those governing the review process by which the governing authorities in charge of agriculture determine whether or not to agree to an alternative use of agricultural land; and (3) those governing the review process for applications to erect and use agricultural facilities. The most important changes are as follows:

◆ Diversifying land use by creating chains of value accompanied by new technologies/techniques, such as (i) permitting the use of agricultural land to build “plant factories” (i.e. mass producers of bushes and trees) or (ii) liberalizing upper limits on the amount of land that can be used to construct certain kinds of agricultural facilities.

◆ Allowing more flexible use of land in “special agricultural zones,” such as using management policies that differ from land outside such zones, or facilitating linkages between industry, land, water, and human resources.

◆ Encouraging the locating of green energy facilities and equipment on marginal land (like land with severe subsidence or polluted sites) in order to generate economic value from land that, though zoned for agriculture, is not suitable for cultivation.

◆ Abandoning the long-standing practice of using the “consolidated farmland” program (a policy to increase economies of scale, modernization, and productivity of specified “consolidated” zones) as the basis for decision-making about altering land use for designated agricultural zones.

Making it easier to use land for leisure-farm facilities

Leisure farms and other forms of rural recreation constitute an important element of diversification of the rural economy. The COA aims to attract more tourists to this industry and to assist more traditional farms to upgrade. Two changes made in 2013 merit special attention:

(1) The rules governing leisure farms were altered so to allow them to apply to erect additional facilities for: (i) processing of agricultural and special products, and (ii) landscaping.

(2) The rules governing the maximum area that can be used by leisure farms for various purposes were revised to allow more land to be used for: (i) lodging, (ii) catering, (iii) processing (or brewing) workshops for agro-products, (iv) display and sale of agro-products and cultural artifacts, and (v) education and narration centers. Formerly such facilities could occupy no more than 10% of the total land area of the farm. That figure has been raised to 20%, with the added condition that the land used for such purposes shall total no more than three hectares, or five hectares for leisure farms larger than 200 hectares.

It is anticipated that these changes will provide greater flexibility to persons applying to set up leisure farms, will improve the services provided at such farms, and will create a more profitable environment for the agro-tourism industry.

Strengthening irrigation infrastructure

Irrigation infrastructure is inseparable from agricultural development and the well-being of rural residents. Irrigation infrastructure refers to the use of drainage channels, aqueducts, and other water management and delivery technologies. Proper water management reduces the chances of both drought and flooding, thereby minimizing economic losses and stabilizing the supply of food. It makes important contributions to many high priority goals: managing and improving the living environment in rural areas, promoting safety and prosperity in rural communities, and strengthening ecological and environmental conservation.

In 2013 the COA completed: (a) renovation or improvements to 327 kilometers of irrigation and drainage channels, (b) 681 infrastructure items/projects, (c) 170 hectares of “consolidated farmland” zones (these zones are designed to increase productivity, economies of scale, and modernization of farming methods) and (d) renovation and improvement of water channels and accompanying roads on 1506 hectares of early- phase “consolidated farmland.” We also assisted farmers in installing water-saving equipment like sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation on 2020 hectares of land. In addition, the COA works continually to monitor the quality of irrigation water and to test it for pollutants or waste-water; we conducted 38,320 such tests in 2013. As a result of these measures, we are able to stay up-to-date on the volume and quality of irrigation water used, uphold the rights and interests of farmers, improve farm operations, and upgrade the quality of life in rural communities.

Conservation of natural resources of environmental or economic value

Conservation of forest resources

In order to collect information about the nation’s forests, in 2008 we launched the Fourth Forest Resource and Land Use Inventory and set up a long-term ecological monitoring system. By the end of 2013, we completed 2.97 million hectares of surveys in national forest, publicly owned forest, and privately owned forest.

Other steps taken in 2013 to conserve forest resources (both flora and fauna) included the following: (1) The COA continued promoting our long-term afforestation plan, completing 2,533 hectares of afforestation in 2013. (2) Six forest fires, covering 6.8 hectares, were handled successfully. (3) There were 290 cases in which illegally stolen forest products or byproducts were interdicted (a case success rate of 83%), as were 16 cases of unauthorized logging or land clearing (covering 2.6 hectares). (4) The COA reclaimed 1,033 hectares of forest land that was being illegally occupied, in 1,236 separate cases. (5) By adopting a policy of compensating renters, we also reclaimed 1013 hectares of rented national forest land, in order to ensure that it is better managed and to conduct new afforestation on it. (6) The special police units for forest areas handled 452 cases of violations of the Forestry Act and other laws, turning 877 perpetrators over to the judicial system. (7) The eight nature education centers provided over 1.2 million high-quality forest environmental learning opportunities. (8) Using rural community spaces as well as soil-and-water-conservation outdoor classrooms, a total of eight sites received certification for environmental education. (9) The COA continued to upgrade the nation’s existing 83 nature conservation areas. (10) Habitat protection patrols removed 670 illegal hunting devices.

Conservation of fisheries resources

The COA has been working for many years to strengthen the conservation of coastal fisheries resources and the marine ecological environment. We have adopted a number of regulatory measures that include designating areas and seasons when fishing is banned, setting total allowable catch limits, and reporting of fishing logs. We apply these measures to regulate several categories of fisheries operations, including: trawling, gill-netting, larval anchovy, flying-fish roe harvesting, bumper, mackerel and scad, eel fry, and torchlight. We have also announced that we are in the process of drafting new measures to regulate the catching of crabs by coastal fishing boats.

The COA has also promoted “Monitor, Control, and Surveillance” (MCS) measures in coastal fisheries. These include checking fish catches at fishing harbors, assigning observers to fishing boats, and eradication of illegal fishing. We have also strengthened the collection of catch data for coastal fisheries, as we steadily build a regulatory system for the coastal fishing industry. Moreover, the COA conducts coastal patrols; in 2013 there were 16 at-sea boarding-and-inspection actions. We also work with the Coast Guard Administration to strengthen their interventions to halt illegal fishing; there were 179 such actions in 2013.

In an effort to reduce the coastal fishing fleet, in 2013 the COA held two fishing- boat or barque buy-backs. The first resulted in the buy-back of six boats and 54 barques. The second (following review and approval from local county and city governments) resulted in two boats and 89 barques comforming to registration requirements, and we have continued to process approvals. To help maintain biodiversity and increase fisheries resources, we have also expanded the program of releasing fish fry of a variety of species. In 2013 a total of 13.82 million fry were released.

The COA has a long-term program to revitalize reef areas, both manmade and natural. In 2013 we subsidized 18 local governments and fishermen’s associations to clear and clean 20 reef locations (both manmade and natural) of derelict or waste fishing gear, clearing away 6,551 kilograms of waste. The goal is to restore coastal reef areas and allow them to again become effective ecological systems for supporting large concentrations of organisms, thereby increasing habitats and the productivity of the coastal fishing industry.

Sharks are another important fisheries resource for Taiwan. In order to ensure that shark resources are used sustainably, in 2001 Taiwan formed Shark Resources Management Working Group, which has continually adopted measures aimed at conservation and management of shark resources. In 2013 new regulatory measures were announced for catches of great white sharks, basking sharks, and megamouth sharks. In addition, we have assigned scientific observers to fishing boats and permanent investigators to major harbors to collect data on catch volume for marine species, which will strengthen our collection of statistical data on shark catches. Finally, scientists have been commissioned by the COA to collect DNA data on shark fin and other shark products for sale on the market.

Animal protection, pet care, and treatment of homeless animals

For many years now the COA has been working to persuade citizens to accept a “lifetime commitment” to their pets and to stop pet abandonment. A pet registration system has been in place since September 1, 1999, requiring that dog owners register, and implant identity chips in, their pets. In 2011 we also began monitoring the implementation by local governments of intensified checks of pet registration. In 2013 local governments conducted 42,839 inspections of pets, warning owners to rectify problems in 25,615 cases and handing out administrative punishments in 72 cases where owners failed to comply. Under these conditions of strengthened inspections, there were 188,321 new pet registrations.

In addition, COA is determined to halt illegal breeding of dogs for sale. In 2013 we continued to crack down strongly on illegal breeding operations and the illicit trade in pets. A total of 4,888 cases were investigated, with punishments and confiscations in 15 cases.

In recent years the COA has also been working with local governments and non-governmental organizations to build more, and more comfortable and suitable, animal shelters, and also to encourage citizens to adopt rather than buy pets. In 2013, the adoption rate among animals taken in at shelters reached 40.8%, while the rate for humane euthanasia fell to 40.6%. Both of these figures are marked improvements over 2012. We also are working to build a national animal adoption Internet platform, so that citizens can conveniently browse all of the nation’s public and private shelters for animals to adopt. (Note that adoption may mean taking a pet home or assuming responsibility for its care and feeding as it continues to live in a shelter.) By making such information more widely available, we can increase the adoption rate and continue to reduce the need for euthanasia.

Making the livestock industry more environmentally friendly

The COA has formed a consulting team of experts to advise livestock ranches how to increase their energy efficiency, upgrade their waste-handling technology, and install effective pollution-prevention equipment. In 2013, the team made 626 consultations, and via demonstrations and instruction, enabled livestock ranches to make considerable advances, including: (1) switching over to energy-saving lighting at 69 ranches; (2) installing biogas-powered incubation equipment for piglets at 16 ranches; (3) installing second-stage solid-liquid separators at 72 ranches; (4) switching over to red plastic biogas fermentation bags at 39 ranches; (5) renovating and upgrading compost depots at 33 ranches; (6) installing spray- mist odor-removal equipment at 45 ranches; (7) renovating and upgrading waste-water handling equipment at two cattle ranches; (8) installing a separator for rain and waste-water at one ranch; (9) building of 157 pig toilets; and (10) arranging for waste-water recycling at 14 ranches.

Seeking a more efficient way to dispose of poultry excrement, the COA also initiated a program under which local governments (municipalities, cities, counties) promote a self-testing and management mechanism for handling of chicken excrement, and promote the use of compost poultry excrement for fertilizer by farmers of fruits and vegetables. In 2013 we arranged for sales activities during which 3015 metric tons were acquired by farmers.

Finally, the COA has strengthened oversight of the disposal of dead livestock on ranches, and in 2013 we conducted a total of 14,000 inspections of the methods used by ranches to dispose of dead livestock. We assisted in the signing of contracts between livestock ranches and rendering plants, and we provide services to ranches in remote areas to handle and transport animal carcasses.

Planning for disaster prevention and response in rural areas

The COA is engaged in a major project to construct an agriculture-focused disaster-prevention map for modeling disaster scenarios and identifying high-risk areas. In 2013 we completed: (1) development of a comprehensive agricultural disaster-prevention information platform, and (2) construction and analysis of disaster-situation models for major agricultural production areas. In the future this data can be used not only to assist in reduction of repeat disasters in agricultural production areas, but can also be integrated with important data from other agencies, to accomplish several goals: (a) enhancing “geographic digitization” (application and use of IT to geography) for important agricultural production areas, (b) constructing a system of disaster-situation modeling data that meets the needs of agriculture, and (c) providing critical data for follow-up policy implementation and assistance.

The comprehensive agricultural disaster-prevention information platform provides the following data: (i) quantitative precipitation estimates from the Central Weather Bureau, (ii) hydrological monitoring data from the Water Resources Agency (WRA), (iii) maps of flood-prone areas from the WRA, and (iv) interfacing with irrigation and drainage maps, automatic remote sensor reports, and other data from the Department of Irrigation and Engineering of the COA. The main functions of the information platform include dynamic multi-layered map overlay and merging, a search function for records of past infrastructure and engineering projects, and modeling of various disaster scenarios. The information on this platform will provide critical indicators to serve as reference in assessing risks and pointing to areas where appropriate preventive measures should be taken.

Managing, conserving, and restoring the land

Integrated management of mountain areas

The COA undertook 511 soil-and-water conservation projects in 2013, in our continuing effort to manage mountain areas and minimize landslides, sediment accumulation, and other hazards. Major work included: (1) conservation and management of major reservoir watershed areas, (2) prevention of sedimentation of reservoirs and water channels, (3) maintenance of land-management infrastructure projects, (4) responses to emergency situations, (5) measures to manage and conserve regional soil and water resources, (6) building of green environments, (6) management of “designated water and soil conservation areas.” We stabilized about 7.9 million cubic meters of sediment, effectively reducing risks from sedimentation while conserving water and soil resources. We also conducted 30 projects related to: surveying and mapping of watershed areas, monitoring and analysis of sediment movement and shifts, and upgrading of technology for managing mountain areas and preventing disasters. Total investment in this area in 2013 was NT$1.78 billion.

Projects to reduce risk to flood-prone areas

◆ In 2006, two long-term sub-programs were launched to improve (a) soil-and-water conservation in upstream slopelands, (b) watershed management, and (c) flood control. In Stage I (2006- 2007) 1,245 projects were executed, in Stage II (2008-2010) 1729 projects were executed, and in Stage III (2011-2013) 1465 projects were executed. These projects have secured a total area of 1.242 million hectares of slopeland and improved safety for 2.651 million people in flood-prone areas. A total volume of 31.426 million cubic meters of sediment has been brought under control, preventing siltation in downstream parts of rivers that can lead to flooding of nearby communities.

◆ The COA also launched a program in 2006 to improve farmland drainage in flood-prone areas. It consists of three phases, the first two of which covered 2006-2010. For Phase 3, which covered 2011-2013, the COA undertook 65 improvement projects in the first two years. In 2013, acting through local irrigation associations, we undertook 39 farmland drainage improvement projects in seven localities (Yilan, Miaoli, Nantou, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi/Tainan, and Kaohsiung). Over the eight years of the program the COA completed 282 projects in flood-prone areas, improved 416 kilometers of drainage channels, and built 751 hydraulic structures, thereby greatly reducing the threat of flooding over 25,000 hectares of land in flood-prone areas.

Management of the Tsengwen, Nanhua, and Wutoushan reservoirs

◆ In managing the slopeland within the watershed areas of our nation’s major reservoirs, in 2013, the COA implemented a budget of NT$250 million, undertook sedimentation prevention projects in 23 locations, and used multi-scale monitoring technology to survey progress in sedimentation prevention and vegetation coverage rates. We discovered that reservoir watershed areas are gradually returning to t h e vegetation coverage rates that preceded Typhoon Morakot (this includes vegetation restoration work on about 33 hectares of slopeland). We have stabilized about 2.77 million cubic meters of potential sediment, moving steadily toward our goals of controlling sediment yield and reducing the amount that flows into reservoirs.

◆ The COA also has important responsibilities in national forest land, including (i) managing land use and (ii) watershed conservation. In 2013, targets for these two tasks were to reclaim (with compensation) 37.5 hectares of national forest that had been rented out, and to complete watershed conservation work in 25 locations. In actuality, 38 hectares of rented national forest land were reclaimed, and conservation work (including management of wild streams, stabilization of collapsed land, and afforestation and reforestation) was completed in 25 locations. The afforestation and reforestation covered about 56.8 hectares, stabilizing about 401,100 cubic meters of potential sediment. Expenditures were NT$260 million. We are unquestionably making headway toward restoring and conserving our nation’s forest land.

Dredging of waterways

◆ The COA has adopted a special program entitled “Strengthening Dredging of Rivers, Wild Streams, and Reservoirs.” Under this plan, the COA’s Soil and Water Conservation Bureau manages wild streams, based on the principle of local utilization of dredged stoned and gravel. The overall strategy is summarized as “deepening of water channels, safer floodwater diversion, stabilization of the toe of hillslopes, construction of levees, protection of farmland, and safety for mountain communities.” As of the end of 2013, the COA had completed 34.95 million cubic meters of wild stream dredging (15.80 million cubic meters more than anticipated). In the current phase, dredged sediment is being used to backfill lost farmland and lower areas next to rivers. So far 313 hectares of land have been reclaimed and are useful and productive once again.

◆ Under this same program of “Strengthening Dredging of Rivers, Wild Streams, and Reservoirs,” the COA’s Forestry Bureau—while taking into account management of wild streams in national forest as well as sediment dredging operations—focuses on critical sections of rivers and key areas where there may be threats to public infrastructure or the safety of residential communities. The Forestry Bureau handles management of wild streams as well as responding to collapsed land (landslides), undertaking projects in accordance with the principle “clear the right places, clear at the right times.” In 2013, the target volume was 1.052 million cubic meters, whereas the actual figure was 1.577 million cubic meters, an outstanding result for the year.

Preparedness for and prevention of debris-flow disasters

The COA pursues three major tracks in its vigilance against debris-flow disasters.

◆ Identifying potential risk areas and taking preparedness and preventive measures: The COA has alerted the public about 1,664 waterways (distributed across 17 counties and cities, 159 townships, and 681 wards and villages) with potential debris-flow torrents. We also conducted assessments of the 2013 evacuation plans for 585 wards or villages identified as requiring special preparedness against waterways with potential for debris-flow torrents, and updated our lists of persons requiring special preparedness against this threat (there are now 49,966 persons listed).

◆ Upgrading autonomous community preparedness: In 2013 the COA organized 32 drills and 176 informational activities (including campus or school informational activities) to inform people how to evacuate in the face of potential debris-flow disasters, trained a total of 1387 volunteer specialists to do preparedness work in their communities, and promoted the creation of 120 “autonomous disaster-preparedness communities.”

◆ Strengthening the government’s debris-flow-disaster response mechanism and adopting sophisticated debris-flow monitoring technology: In dealing with typhoons and torrential rains that affected Taiwan in 2013, the COA convened 9 meetings (totaling 32 days and 2366 participants) of the Debris Flow Disaster Emergency Action Team, notified emergency contact personnel on 468,557 occasions, and issued 1415 red warnings and 2290 yellow warnings. We also continued our work constructing debris-flow monitoring stations. By the end of 2013 there were 48 stations (28 fixed, three mobile, and 17 portable). Finally, we conducted 12 international exchanges or exhibitions of debris-flow monitoring technology.

Disaster prevention in national-forest watershed mountain areas

Focusing on watersheds as the unit of management, acting on the basis of surveys conducted on landslides in national forest areas and risk assessments in watershed areas, and responding to damage caused by typhoons, in 2013 the COA budgeted NT$790 million for 161 management projects involving: (a) stabilization of landslide areas in upstream national forest areas, (b) sediment control, and (c) maintenance and emergency response projects. Work covered 122.7 hectares of landslide areas and checked the downward flow of over 4.06 million cubic meters of sediment. Our goal is to restore forest areas as fast as possible, and fulfill our mission of conserving national forest land.

Monitoring and management of slopeland

◆ The COA classifies slopeland into various categories and sets restrictions on what agricultural uses are allowed in specific locations. In 2013 we completed surveying and classification on 6017 hectares. Locations where there is an urgent need for stabilizing soil and water resources are known as “designated water and soil conservation areas.” Long-term plans have been made or are being made for managing these areas. So far 17 conservation projects have been completed in such areas. The COA has also provided supervision and assistance to other agencies with jurisdiction by: (a) undertaking assessments, monitoring, or termination of their long-term conservation plans in 15 designated water and soil conservation areas, and (b) mapping, planning, and system construction of such areas in two cases.

◆ The COA approved soil and water conservation plans (including simplified soil and water notifications) for slopeland in 2,430 cases and did 2,249 inspections of ongoing projects of this type. We also: (1) conducted satellite remote-sensing imaging in 3628 cases; (2) conducted investigations into and forced a halt to illegal use of slopeland in 1480 cases (with fines totaling NT$88 million and persons turned over to the judicial system in 43 cases); (3) provided assistance to local governments in creating “soil and water conservation service teams,” which provided service to citizens in 3,723 cases; and (4) worked to improve public understanding of the importance of obeying the relevant laws in order to ensure that slopeland is not made hazardous as a result of improper development or use.