A draft act on national land planning was approved by the Cabinet July 24, paving the way for Taiwan to maintain a balance between development and conservation on the road to long-term sustainability.
“The legislation is Taiwan’s blueprint for well-planned land use,” Premier Jiang Yi-huah said. “It will serve as the framework for all future national land development and minimise the impact on the natural environment.”
“It also places a premium on public participation in policymaking. Relevant information will be readily accessible at all stages of national land planning, review and implementation.”
Under the Ministry of the Interior-proposed bill, land will be classified into four zones: agriculture, conservation, marine and urban, with usage plans developed on a national, city and county basis. In addition, a budget of NT$100 billion (US$3.3 billion) will be dedicated to the preservation and sustainable development of land.
Other highlights include additional regulations on the use of aboriginal land, as well as making it more difficult to change land classifications.
Jiang said as this is the fifth draft of the act, the MOI must step up communication with lawmakers and work to smooth its passage through the Legislature.
The bill will be submitted to the Legislature for review during its next session beginning September.