February 26, 2012
Taiwan's Eco-Tourism Programs Attract International Travelers
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
LOS ANGELES, CA - With lush-green mountains towering over 13,000 feet and a sub-tropical climate, Taiwan offers a variety of incredible natural resources. Recently named by Lonely Planet as one of the "Top 10 Best Countries to Visit in 2012," the island is progressively transforming itself into a "Nature Wonderland" for international travelers to enjoy. In March, Taiwan will host two popular green events; the International Orchid Show in Tainan from March 3 - 12, and Yilan Green Exposition in Yilan from March 31 - May 20, to demonstrate its commitment to eco-tourism.
"Taiwan's mission to provide green sustainable living has been recognized by our international peers," said Trust Lin, Director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau Los Angeles. "Our island is considered a 'green trendsetter' because of our continuous effort to develop impactful events focusing on green living. To us, this style of living is the only way to preserve Taiwan's natural treasures, and a healthy sustainable environment for our people and travelers."
The Taiwan International Orchid Show in Tainan from March 3 - 12 is considered the most popular horticultural event for the past 10 years because the county has consistently produced 40% of all orchids grown in Taiwan. Tainan's rich botanical resources for cultivating orchids has secured the island as the world's largest orchid exporter, and recognized by orchid collectors worldwide as the "Orchid Kingdom."
And with an expected attendance of over 3,000 international floral exporters and buyers at the show, the "Orchid Kingdom" plans to unveil its newly developed breeds - Phalaenopsis and Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchid) - for the world to admire.
In continuation of its commitment to green living, the island is hosting the 13th annual Yilan Green Expo from March 31 - May 20. Lasting two months, the popular expo plans to incorporate the "Organic" concept into three key exhibit areas - Garden, Food & Lifestyle and Farm.
In the Garden area, visitors will learn the importance of how and which of the Five Chinese natural elements - metal, wood, water, fire and earth - define their personality. Then, the fun will begin when they let their defined personalities guide them to experience and enjoy a variety of food, music and gardening throughout the expo.
For the interactive visitors, the Food & Lifestyle area will provide demonstrations on how to save food during the cooking process. In addition, visitors can roll-up their sleeves to learn how to grow an organic family garden through recycling kitchen waste.
As for visitors interested in learning about how the traditional Taiwanese farmers lived, enjoyed and maintained a true healthy sustainable green lifestyle, the Farm area will include a traditional farmstead mansion, a terraced field and a rice paddy field specifically designed and built for the expo to educate local and international visitors on the various aspects of farm life.
For more information on Taiwan International Orchid Show, please visit: http://www.tios.com.tw/2012/en/show01.php
For more information on traveling to Taiwan, please visit:
www.go2taiwan.net
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
