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Updated Wednesday, October 10, 2007 0:00 am TWN, The China Post news staff



	Along with a rapid transformation of Taiwan's economy, many agricultural and forestry projects formerly under the supervision of the Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) have been turned into leisure farms, forest parks and other tourist attractions. The VAC is helping these facilities draw more ... Enlarge Photo

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VAC's farms and forestry projects thrive, draw visitors

Along with a rapid transformation of Taiwan's economy, many agricultural and forestry projects formerly under the supervision of the Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) have been turned into leisure farms, forest parks and other tourist attractions. The VAC is helping these facilities draw more tourists by placing a strong focus on wildlife preservation, health agriculture and eco-tourism.

By the end of 2006, VAC has recovered a total of 75 hectares of land used for growing high-altitude vegetables (including land in Wulin, Fushoushan and Cingjing). By the end of this year, a total of 128 hectares of fruit and tea farms will also be recovered. A portion of the area will be reserved for species observation and ecological education purposes. The rest will be used for forestation and wildlife preservation efforts.

In terms of health agriculture, a number of high-altitude tea and fruit farms have received guidance and assistance to produce organic products. At the same time, many flatland farms have been certified for marketing healthy agricultural products.

As for eco-tourism, the VAC has commissioned the ROC Sustainable Ecological Development Association to carry out the following: conducting resources inspections at Wuling Veteran's Farm, Fushoushan, and Cingjing Veteran's Farm; printing eco-tourism handouts and pamphlets for visitors; designing eco-tours in these places; and training tour guides and workers.

To ensure safety of travel in these areas, the VAC has established a safety maintenance evaluation system and trained workers for responding to various emergency situations. The VAC holds safety drills periodically and has combined medical resources in these areas to provide a safe travel environment.

Meanwhile, to encourage private investment, the VAC has contracted private firms to manage several tourist facilities, including the second guesthouse of Wuling Veteran's Farm, Chiayi Veteran's Farm, Mingchih Forest Park in Cilan Forest Recreation Area, the Wanglousuan section of Changhua Veteran's Farm, and the visitor center of Cingjing Veteran's Farm.

In the end, agricultural projects previously under the supervision of the VAC have become self-sufficient business entities and have made great achievements in the areas of service upgrade, research and development and wildlife preservation. As a result of their efforts, visitors are now able to enjoy pristine forests, clear streams, tranquil lakes, and mountains of wildflowers and green nature. In the future, the VAC will continue to help these farms and leisure facilities strive for service excellence and sustainable growth and development.

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