Taiwan
Ecological
Network

Cross-sectoral collaboration and biodiversity-focused spatial planning
for connected habitats and resilient social-ecological systems

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Taiwan: An East Asian island in Subtropical and Tropical Climatic Zones

Highest peak (Mt. Yushan)：3,952 m
Unique geological, geomorphological, and climatic conditions

Rich Biodiversity

Over 64,000 species－3.4% of the world
High percentage of endemic and rare species

Central Mountain Range: Unbroken
Green Corridor

Protected areas cover 19.18% of the land area
State-owned forests cover 42.5% of the land, protecting the island's forest ecosystems

Insufficient Conservation Outside Protected Areas

55% of the protected species and 64% of the Red List plants are located outside the well-protected forest areas
Overlap with human population in shallow mountain and coastal areas
Habitat fragmentation is becoming increasingly severe

Spilornis cheela

About Taiwan Ecological Network

In 2018, Taiwan Ecological Network (TEN) was introduced by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) as the first of its kind islandwide program that combines biodiversity data-based spatial planning and cross-sectoral cooperation for an effective area-based conservation outside of protected areas and implemented through the seven integrated strategies of the TEN.

Two main objectives of TEN focus on:

Restoration and support of resilient, biodiverse, connected, and well-functioning ecosystems.
Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) and promotion of community resilience.

Integrated Strategies

Calophyllum blancoi

Spatial Planning

44 Priority Biodiversity Areas　
36.7% of the land area

45 Conservation Corridors

Shallow mountain type 12

Lowland forest and Farmland

Stream type 14

River, Stream, Riparian habitat

Valley type 8

Farm pond, Grassland, Rural and Urban green space

Coastal type 6

Fish farm, Paddy field, and Coastal forest

Offshore islands 5

Protected area

National forest working circles

Sharing Ecological Information

Platalea minor

Database Integration and Sharing

Faced with challenges such as scattered or inconsistent biodiversity data that are difficult to utilize, the Taiwan Biodiversity Information Alliance (TBIA) was established in 2021. It aims to promote data integration and sharing through collaborative efforts among partner members to enhance the visibility of biodiversity information.
Currently, the alliance consists of 13 members, who are biodiversity-related institutions in Taiwan and have made their biodiversity available to the public.
TBIA launched the "Biodiversity Database Portal System" in 2023, effectively supporting biodiversity scientific research and policymaking.

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TEN Program’s Mapping Platform Now Open for Public Access and Use

TEN Mapping Platform Now Open for Public Access and Use

The TEN mapping platform provides a range of spatial data, making it easy to identify area-based conservation information, including designated purposes, conservation strategies, focus habitats, focus species, biodiversity hotspots, etc.
Those biodiversity data support a wide range of spatial analysis, infrastructure assessment, and land planning. Open data enables public and private sector stakeholders to work together effectively with consistent information to protect Taiwan's ecological environment.

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Michelia compressa

Quercus tarokoensis

Implementing Nature-Based Solutions
Through Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

In response to diverse goals and strategic actions, the TEN program connects various departments, effectively integrating policies and resources in land planning, water resources, transport, and the environment.
TEN establishes 8 regional cooperation platforms, making cross-sectoral collaboration possible through cross-disciplinary communication and information exchange. In addition, by forming partnerships with local communities and academic institutions, the program promotes the Satoyama Initiative and landscape conservation while also encouraging private companies and civil organizations to bring more innovation and resources.
TEN has a multifaceted mechanism that develops a flexible approach to discussing how to address various social and economic challenges and improve the ecosystem. TEN is a good framework for implementing nature-based solutions in Taiwan.

Cross-Agency, Cross-Disciplinary, and Cross-Spatial Linkages

Connecting Internationally

Common Yet Differentiated Responsibilities

Taiwan adheres to the Convention on Biological Diversity, revising the "National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP)", and TEN is the best approach to achieve conservation goals.

Taiwan actively engages in and supports global efforts to promote biodiversity, taking on the shared responsibility of protecting the Earth's environment and reducing resource consumption.

TEN Program Achievements Receive International Recognition

We were invited by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to share the results of incorporating ecological data from the TEN program into spatial planning and government decision-making. The TEN program was highlighted by GBIF as a reference example at a side event of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP 15.

TEN supports multi-functional and resilient socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes with their rich biodiversity, healthy habitats and sustainable livelihoods of IPLCs. Together with the Community Forestry program and Taiwan Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative, TEN explores existing and potential opportunities for realising the “Three in One” strategy in Taiwan towards the 2050 Vision and 2030 Mission of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Fifteen articles highlighting the Satoyama outcomes of the TEN program have been published on the IUCN and IPSI international platforms.

Case Study Search for TEN

Leveraging the TEN Program as a Core Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation

Taiwan Ecological Network (TEN) is the island’s driving force for attaining the 2030 mission and 2050 vision of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

In the future, we will continue to deepen our efforts and seek more international cooperation to jointly address the global biodiversity crisis. Through these efforts, we believe Taiwan will become one of the global exemplars of biodiversity conservation, providing valuable references and insights for other countries and regions.