To address global climate change, advance Taiwan's net-zero transition goals, and enhance flexible land use and forest resource management, the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) jointly announced today (August 18) amendments to the Regulations of Rewards and Assistance in Reforestation. The revised program, which takes effect immediately, marks a new chapter in Taiwan's forestry policy, integrating reforestation efforts with indigenous land management.

CIP Deputy Minister Qucung Qalavangan noted that since the regulations were first co-issued by the MOA and CIP in 2008, they have not only institutionalized Taiwan's reforestation incentive system but also encouraged indigenous participation in reforestation and sustainable land use. The latest revision introduces comprehensive adjustments to the program's objectives, tree species selection, incentive duration, compensation standards, support mechanisms, and reforestation zoning, reinforcing a policy direction that promotes diversified forest management—balancing timber supply, ecological conservation, and land sustainability to elevate the nation's forest stewardship. The updated policy also introduces strategic forest management planning, shortens the reforestation timeline, and allows continuity between the incentive phase and subsequent sustainable forestry support programs, creating more flexible land-use opportunities for indigenous communities. These changes will increase incentives for community-led forest management while supporting economic productivity and ecological preservation.

Deputy Minister Qucung Qalavangan further called on indigenous communities, organizations, and reserved landholders nationwide to actively participate in the new initiative. By working together through sustainable forest management, indigenous homelands can flourish with renewed greenery and vitality—realizing the shared vision of "Strengthening Sustainability and Tribal Prosperity."