In response to the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the Executive Yuan, after discussions among experts, scholars, central and local government departments, and non-governmental organizations, approved the "National Environmental Protection Plan" on February 14th. This plan declares Taiwan's vision for achieving "carbon reduction and disaster reduction," "breathing freely," "enjoying clean water," "turning waste into resources," "zero forest loss," and "coexisting with nature" by 2030. The Executive Yuan approved the "National Environmental Protection Plan" on February 14th, 2020. This plan was primarily drafted within the framework of the Ministry of Environment and Resources, responding to the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and considering domestic and international environmental protection trends and key issues. It outlines short-, medium-, and long-term implementation strategies and objectives, declaring Taiwan's commitment to achieving the visions of "carbon reduction and disaster reduction," "breathing freely," "enjoying clean water," "turning waste into resources," "zero forest loss," and "coexisting with nature" by 2030. The National Environmental Protection Plan is based on Article 10, Paragraph 2 of the Additional Articles of the Constitution, which states that "economic and scientific and technological development should be taken into account in conjunction with environmental and ecological protection," and the environmental protection strategies formulated under the Basic Environmental Law. It integrates relevant ministries, focusing on the overall environmental ecosystem, and proposes corresponding measures and mechanisms. The plan has been developed through multiple rounds of discussions among experts, scholars, government departments, local governments, and non-governmental organizations to reach a consensus. The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) states that the plan is divided into five major areas: "Climate Action," "Environmental Quality," "Nature Conservation," "Green Economy," and "Sustainable Partnerships," encompassing 13 environmental issues. Key performance indicators (KPIs) have been set for tracking to promote national environmental protection efforts, protect environmental resources, and maintain ecological balance. The plan is expected to release implementation results annually through environmental white papers or appropriate channels. Detailed plan information can be found on the EPA website. As a member of the global village, Taiwan has a responsibility to work with other countries to maintain the peace, harmony, and mutually beneficial coexistence of the Earth, to protect people's living environment from pollution and damage, and to strive for sustainable development. This has been Taiwan's long-standing goal in environmental issues. The approval of this "National Environmental Protection Plan" aims to unite the efforts of government departments, businesses, organizations, and the public to jointly promote various environmental protection actions. It is believed that by 2030, environmental safety will be ensured, a circular economy model will shape green living, and ultimately, harmonious coexistence between humanity and the environment will be achieved. (Source: Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan)
