The Saisiyat Tribe in Taiwan originates from the 3,492-meter-high Mount Dabajian and Xiaobajian, adhering through generations to ancestral precepts, honoring commitments, and dedicating ourselves to the harmonious coexistence with nature, protecting the mountains and forests.

My grandfather said: “Humans are inherently a part of nature. When you enter the mountains, you must recognize yourself as a part of it. The diverse systems in nature are not limited to what appears to be moving; everything observed possesses life. Whether it’s humans, animals, plants, water, soil, or any other living entity, all depend on each other for symbiosis, mutual respect, and assistance. We respect the environment, respect life, abide by the laws of nature, and avoid taking more than what is necessary.”

After 1946, the Saisiyat Tribe transitioned from a vast living environment to a life constrained and defined by policies. The shift from self-sufficient living to a society based on monetary transactions occurred rapidly, and traditional practices gave way to modern national education. Over the past 70 years, the Saisiyat people have embraced the lifestyle of modern society. However, inadvertently, they have gradually distanced themselves from the inherent principles of mutual dependence and coexistence with nature. This has resulted in the degradation of landscapes and ecosystems, numerous tribal issues, and hindering the smooth transmission of Saisiyat cultural heritage.

In 2018, the Saisiyat Tribe entered into a partnership with the Forestry Bureau(which was renamed as Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, MOA, since 1st August 2023), both committed to the Satoyama Initiative. Striving towards a vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, the Miaoli County Saisiyat Indigenous People Forestry and Worker Limited Liability Cooperative, referred to as the Saisiyat Cooperative, was established. In 2019, the Cooperative initiated a mountain and forest patrol team , tasked with inventorying local natural resources and conducting ecological monitoring. The team also documented local cultural and historical resources, aiming to safeguard mountain and forest resources and deter illicit activities such as theft of forest resources.

The Saisiyat Cooperative has also ventured into under-forest economies, utilizing beekeeping as a tool for ecological monitoring. They actively engage in circular economy practices, promoting resource recycling capabilities. Waste branches are repurposed for therapeutic plantings and extract essential oils. After shredding the waste materials, they are transformed into biomass pellets. Once used, these materials return to the earth, enriching the soil and initiating a renewed ecological cycle. Furthermore, they have undertaken habitat restoration efforts for the critically endangered Nansho Daidai Sour Orange (Citrus taiwanica), listed in the IUCN Red List, with more than 1,500 plants now thriving in their original habitat.

Over the past five years, the Saisiyat Cooperative has steadfastly upheld the core values of Satoyama, focusing on preserving landscapes and ecological diversity. Through ecological journeys, they have actively advocated and promoted the Satoyama Initiative, garnering widespread popularity. The tribe has become a sought-after destination for community exchanges and visits, hosting numerous government agencies, academic institutions such as National Taiwan University and National Chengchi University, environmental organizations, and more than 200 tribes and communities.

This achievement reflects the realization of a harmonious coexistence between people and nature, truly enjoying the shared ecological system’s diverse service values. This initiative has not only revitalized tribal economies, improved the livelihoods of community members, and revitalized cultural practices with the return of young people, but it has also played a crucial role in preserving mountains and forests and ensuring ecological sustainability.”

After years of steadfast commitment to the objectives and goals of the Satoyama Initiative, the Saisiyat Cooperative achieved a significant milestone on February 6, 2023. On this date, the Saisiyat Tribe Cooperative officially became an international partner of the Satoyama Initiative.

The Saisiyat Tribe Cooperative has introduced, for the first time, the case study activity titled ‘Implementing the Satoyama Initiative to Promote Sustainable Development Within the Saisiyat Tribe Community.’