Linking the Social with the Natural: The Tango between Government Conservation Agencies and Indigenous Communities in Taiwan

This paper addresses the history of dynamic relations resulted from the interaction of Forestry Bureau and indigenous communities on nature conservation issues. Driven by the democratisation of Taiwan Society, Forestry Bureau,... [ view full abstract ]

This paper addresses the history of dynamic relations resulted from the interaction of Forestry Bureau and indigenous communities on nature conservation issues. Driven by the democratisation of Taiwan Society, Forestry Bureau, the main conservation government agency, has to adapt to the increasing legitimacy of indigenous peoples’ rights issue and transform their natural resources management policy accordingly. The negotiating process illustrated in this paper is to show how their interaction is changing from conflicts to coalition within which both sides struggle to find the common ground. Furthermore, The concept of adaptive co-management emerges as a medium for their dialogue. The research is based on the researcher’s long-term participatory action in the issues of nature conservation amongst the communities of Rukai Tribe in Southern Taiwan. In 2017, the researcher coordinated a “walking workshop” that brings in the indigenous communities members, Forestry Bureau officers, scholars, and graduate students in a 5 days trip traveling in Rukai’s traditional territory. Conservation and community development issues were addressed and dialogued along the trip. During the trip, the schedule is organised through discussing with local community members and Forestry Bureau. The aim is to facilitate a mutual understanding. Forestry Bureau people are not required to reply the questions immediately but rather to listen to communities members’ real experiences and problems of using natural resources. Scholars and students were encouraged to participate in the discussions and open up the multi-dimensions of dialogue. This “walking workshop” proves to be positive, inspiring and constructive for further dialogue. It even promotes Forestry Bureau’s later reflection about their policy towards indigenous communities. Over all, this paper discusses the methodology, outcome and meanings of the “walking workshop” for the social and the natural sides of nature conservation and hope to provide some lessons for the conservation work in indigenous communities.