Taiwan’s wetlands will be better protected after the ROC Legislative Yuan passed the Wetlands Conservation Act June 18, establishing a classification system and management mechanisms for their conservation.
Under the act, anyone wishing to profit from the use of wetlands for industrial production, business operation or tourism purposes will have to gain permission from the relevant authorities. A certain portion of resultant profits will go into a special conservation fund to cover inspection and conservation of the nation’s wetlands.
The act requires that wetlands be graded as of international, national or regional importance according to their ecological value. Once placed under environmental review, any such land will be designated as a provisional wetland area under protection. For areas under imminent threat from development, the authority can announce their provisional status and protection measures.
Designated wetlands will be further zoned into areas of core conservation, ecological restoration, environmental education and management services. No development and construction will be permitted in the first two areas within wetlands designated as of international and national importance. Local governments are required to consult with the relevant central authorities over any change in urban planning for areas within and surrounding a designated wetland.
Activities requiring the permission of the wetlands authority include: extraction, blocking or diversion of the area’s water; excavation, filling or otherwise altering the topography; destruction or damage to wild species’ migration routes, breeding and resting areas; and the discharge of chemical waste and polluted water.
Violators are subject to a fine between NT$300,000 (US$10,000) and NT$1.5 million, and one to eight hours of environmental education classes. Anyone hunting, trapping and killing wildlife, or releasing and harvesting wildlife resources without permission will be fined between NT$60,000 and NT$300,000, along with one to eight hours of classes.
To reduce impact on people’s rights, the law permits the present use of designated wetlands for activities such as salt harvesting and aquaculture. Any changes in usage or construction of facilities by property owners will still be subject to approval from the authorities.
