Governance of Biodiversity Conservation in China And Taiwan

In the Binnan case, publicity about the plight of the black-faced spoonbill
played a key role in stopping the development project. Taiwan’s ENGOs
invited famous international figures such as the Dalai Lama, in 1997, and Jane
Goodall, in 1998, to observe the Qigu habitat. The black-faced spoonbill was
the turning point for the Binnan project, for without international intervention,
the project would have been approved without delay. The endangered
spoonbill was utilized as an instrument for the environmental protection of the
Qigu area.^23
ENGOs also invited international scholars to provide critical commentary
on flaws in the environmental review process. They pointed out omissions:
analysis of carbon dioxide emissions, limited water supply, the impact on
wetlands of international significance, impacts on the rare and endangered
black-faced spoonbill, and impacts on the existing economy and quality of
life. Since the EIA failed to consider viable alternatives, the EIA review
committee’s action was seriously flawed when evaluated by scientific
standards accepted in leading nations. Furthermore, the open processes
expected in a democracy were short-circuited by secret meetings that excluded
public debate on key topics. Finally, the EIA review committee had negotiated,
instead of giving full attention to scientific data.^24 Reports from international
scholars increased media scrutiny of the Qigu case, and imposed more
pressure on the government to reconsider the case, as it did.
Pro-development groups at the grassroots level, however, oppose inter-
national intervention as an impediment to Taiwan’s local development. From
their perspective, western standards do not apply to the current situation in
Taiwan. The Secretary General of the Qigu Development Promotion
Commission contended:

‘The ultimate goal in the Binnan case is to pursue the win-win outcome of economic

development and environmental protection. During the colonial period, Taiwan was

squeezed by the Japanese as a resource provider. However, it was a plain fact of the

uneven division of labor at that time. Recognizing the reality of Taiwan’s current

economic development, we have no choice but to be a part of the global division of

labor. That is why we still need to attract foreign direct investment and build up our

industrial complex. One key point is to improve the people’s livelihood. This is the

only road for a sustainable Taiwan. The Americans are not good guys. If we follow

their high standard of environmental protection, the local economy will run into a

dead end. The environmental organizations tend to introduce foreign experts and

foreign media, but these “foreign actors” do not understand the domestic situation.

These ENGOs, along with foreign forces, always threaten to impose international

sanctions on Taiwan. They suggested enlarging the black-faced spoonbill protected

areas into 6000 hectares. They do not understand the limited land and economic

resources in Taiwan. They plan to transform Taiwan into places like somewhere in

continental Africa.’^25

In addition to inviting international involvement in Taiwan’s domestic

168 Governance of biodiversity conservation in China and Taiwan