Today (March 14), the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) conducted on-site reassessment visits in Taiwu and Laiyi (Tjaljakavus)Townships, Pingtung County, as part of the 2024 evaluation of the “Indigenous Land, Ancestral Trails, Cultural Sites, and Environmental Sustainability Maintenance Project.” Deputy Minister Adralriw Abaliusu led the inspection, which was joined by evaluation committee members, representatives from the Pingtung County Government, local township offices, and members of the project maintenance teams.

This project traces its origins back to the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot. In response to the severe damage to farmlands and crops—vital to indigenous livelihoods—the CIP launched a project to support tribal communities in rebuilding their homes and restoring their means of subsistence. Initially focused on post-disaster reconstruction and cash-for-work programs centered on reforestation and community clean-up, the project has evolved to address the changing needs of local communities. Today, maintenance team members not only continue reforestation efforts but also undertake tasks such as maintaining ancestral trails and traditional cultural sites, conducting ecological surveys, removing invasive species, implementing natural disaster prevention measures, and fostering community-friendly environments. Much of this work occurs in remote mountainous regions, where conditions are physically demanding and challenging.

On June 19, 2024, President Lai announced the creation of the “National Climate Change Committee” under the Office of the President, outlining seven key strategic initiatives. Among these initiatives, the strategy for national land adaptation and resilience emphasizes strengthening disaster preparedness and promoting ecological conservation. This CIP project aligns directly with that strategy through its efforts in reforestation and ecological maintenance, aiding indigenous lands in adapting better to climate change, reducing disaster risks, and enhancing the resilience of local communities, economies, and ecosystems.

Deputy Minister Adralriw Abaliusu stated that upon completing the 2024 project evaluation, the CIP will present awards and public recognition to outstanding units and individuals based on performance results. She expressed hope that the ongoing implementation of the project will deepen public understanding of indigenous cultures and, through experience-sharing and dialogue during this reassessment, continuously enhance project execution—meaningfully contributing to the preservation and transmission of indigenous lands and traditional cultures.