Northguan National Scenic Area won a “2022 National Sustainable Development Award” in the Government Agency Category, held by the National Development Council under the Executive Yuan with the “Public-Private Partnership - International Sustainable Tourism Island Project.” The award was an affirmation of the success of Northguan National Scenic Area’s cooperation with local business operator “JK-Goods International Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as JK-Goods Company)” in implementing sustainable tourism and local oriented development.
Since Northguan National Scenic Area took over Heping Island Park in 2013, it has adhered to the four core values of “facilities reduction,” “environment first,” “international standards” and “visitor convenience” to promote scenic area tourism development. First, it investigated local environmental resources to determine potential themes, such as “uniquely rich biological history of more than 400 years”, “strange rock landscapes”, “one of the top 21 most beautiful sunrises in the world” and “unique Lihai culture.” Thereafter, the renovation and improvement of public facilities was launched based on the original intention of “restoring the beauty of Heping Island” and the concept of “sustainable, local and international.” Focus was placed on the landscape environment, inviting NGOs to participate in operations and management strategies such as “restoring residents' livelihoods and industrial vitality” and “developing local industries and brands through Public-Private Partnerships.”
Based on the concept of “conservation first, education and academic research second, and business last,” Northguan National Scenic Area aims to turn Heping Island Park into an “international sustainable tourism island,” focused on four core development areas in the geological park based on the guiding principles of “landscape conservation, environmental education, landscape tourism and community participation.” The park also seeks to follow international standards by joining the geopark network, obtaining sustainable event certification, inviting international exchange students and visiting related associations.
Heping Island Park has continued to grow and in the process evolved away from its old image. As a result, it has won many awards including 2018 Svayam Accessibility Awards, 2020 Muslim Friendly Environmental Certification, 2021 Ninth Taiwan Landscape Awards “Outstanding Award and Prize of the Year, Landscape and Recreation Category,” the 19th “Government Team Award for Excellence” at the Gold Thumb Awards for PPP under the Ministry of Finance and the 2022 MOTC Service Award, with its sustainable tourism efforts once again recognized with the National Sustainable Development Award.
Director Chen Meixiu said that Northguan National Scenic Area will uphold the core value of “sustainable tourism development,” connect to the Crown Coast sightseeing circle, participate in a competition to rank the top 100 tourist destinations, qualify for a green tourism destination certification and continue to strive to become an “International Sustainable Tourism Island.”
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