The Taiwan Monthly

ESG

Acting locally for global impact! In response to international day for biological diversity, TWSE and TCX unveiled anniversary plaque for “Taiwan Nature-Based Solutions & Sustainability Initiative” forest project

To echo the spirit of "Acting locally for global impact" on the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity, and to coincide with the first anniversary of the launch of the "Taiwan Nature-Based Solutions & Sustainability Initiative", the Taiwan Stock Exchange (the TWSE), in collaboration with the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange  (the TCX), held a plaque-unveiling ceremony and Sustainability Volunteer Day at the Dajiaoxi site in Yilan on May 22.

The event took place at the Dajiaoxi Site in Yilan and brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Development Council (NDC), the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Yilan local authorities, and regional revitalization teams.

Sherman Lin, Chairman of both the TWSE and TCX, noted in his opening remarks that over the past year, the Dajiaoxi Sustainable Forestry Project has actively pursued forest management, micro-habitat creation, and local community engagement. These efforts have successfully delivered multi-dimensional value encompassing climate resilience, community empowerment, and biodiversity. Demonstrating the value of resource recycling and the circular economy, the two newly unveiled signs were crafted from thinned wood sourced directly from the forest. The project was planned and executed in collaboration with the "Rewood," a local initiative dedicated to upcycling domestic timber. This initiative echoes Taiwan's national strategic goals, specifically the "Urban Forestry" climate adaptation plan and the "Nature-Based Solutions" net-zero emission strategy.

Huang Wen-yen, Director-General of the Department of Territorial, Regional and Island Development at the NDC, highlighted the unveiling as a major milestone for national nature-based carbon sink initiatives. He emphasized that regional revitalization has become a tangible driver for environmental sustainability and resource circularity. To encourage this, the TWSE collaborated with the NDC this year to enhance the "Regional Revitalization" criteria within its ESG Evaluation, guiding corporations to deepen local connections for mutual sustainability.

Chang Ken-mu, Deputy Director-General of the Climate Change Administration at the MOENV, commended the project as an exemplary model for domestic nature-based carbon sinks. He noted that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the "National Climate Adaptation Greenery Multiplier Project" and the "Taiwan Green Point 100" concept. By incorporating local revitalization and adhering to the principle of "right tree in the right place" using native Taiwanese species, the project establishes a highly viable, long-term sustainable management model.

The Sustainable Volunteer Day was structured around the core themes of forest exploration, local action, and domestic timber craftsmanship. Volunteers first toured the site under the guidance of the forest owner, learning about the successful restoration of local frog, bird, and insect populations, followed by an immersive ecosystem experience led by the "Friendly Seed" environmental education team. Later in the day, a deep-dive seminar featured the Eastern Bank Tribal Industry Promotion and Development Association from Nantou and the Yilan-based "Mola High Neighbor" team, who shared insights on youth returning to rural areas, community development, and indigenous empowerment. To conclude the event, the Yilan carpentry brand "Boncon Studio" guided volunteers in hand-crafting tableware from domestic timber, beautifully merging environmental ecology with local cultural creation.

The TWSE emphasized that beyond its own green practices, its core mission is to steer capital market investments toward sustainable development. Accordingly, the inaugural ESG Evaluation for listed companies has integrated "Nature-Based Solutions" and "Biodiversity" into its indicators. Furthermore, the TWSE is actively advancing the registration of the Dajiaoxi site under the domestic voluntary emission reduction project framework, aiming to integrate tangible carbon removal outcomes into its organizational carbon neutrality strategy while leading the industry toward nature-based solutions.

The TCX added that since the project's inception, it has witnessed growing corporate demand for nature-based solutions. In response, the TCX continues to source international nature-based carbon credits required by global supply chains. It has also launched professional training programs, such as "Practical Operations of Nature-Based Solutions" and the "ISO 59004 Circular Economy International Certification," partnering with leading institutions to cultivate local green-collar talent and build a resilient sustainable ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the TWSE and TCX will continue to champion nature-based carbon sink projects and green talent cultivation. Through public-private partnerships, they aim to guide enterprises to invest in natural capital, driving climate action, community prosperity, and biodiversity protection to co-create a thriving, sustainable future for Taiwan.

Mr. Yu at 1248@twse.com.tw.