The Ministry of Environment and the National Taipei University of Technology yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on smart urban forest governance, with a demonstration site set up near the university.

Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) said trees are part of climate resilience infrastructure and require scientific methods to develop.

The cooperation between the ministry and the university focuses on smart energy saving and climate resilience governance, and is expected to set an example for smart urban forest governance, he said.

From left, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming, Minister of Culture Li Yuan and National Taipei University of Technology president Jen Yi-jun pose for a photo at a memorandum of understanding signing event in Taipei yesterday.

Photo: Wu Po-hsuan, Taipei Times

It can be divided into four main aspects: using scientific data, and light detection and ranging technology for sustainable governance; promoting circular reuse of critical process waste from semiconductor manufacturing; adopting in-depth energy saving powered by artificial intelligence; and developing climate resilience professionals through interdisciplinary exchanges, Peng said.

The key to urban forest governance lies in respect for life and cultural foundation, he said.

A simulation driven by a digital twin system would be introduced to demonstrate the benefits of lower temperatures for urban pedestrians, Peng said.

University president Jen Yi-jun (任貽均) said the school has long been dedicated to microclimate monitoring, environmental engineering, smart power grid and research on energy conservation in air-conditioning systems.

The university would use scientific research capabilities, and capitalize on its alumni and experience in revitalizing Chienkuo Brewery (建國啤酒廠) — a historical heritage building in Taipei — to develop the demonstration site, he said.

Minister of Culture Li Yuan (李遠) said his ministry would help include the city’s Air Force Command Headquarters National Cultural Base in the demonstration site for urban forest development.

Each tree carries the history, cultures and memories of locals, he said, adding that the urban forest project is expected to restore trees and cultures.

Meanwhile, a recent rise in the number of trees removed across Taipei has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the city government.

Asked about the issue, Peng said he protested the felling of old camphor trees when he was young.

The environment ministry’s proposed specialized urban forestry act would treat urban trees as vital public infrastructure and living entities, he said.

Public notification would be required before their removal, and treatment for diseased trees would be mandatory instead of immediately felling trees, Peng said, adding that it aimed to curb arbitrary tree felling nationwide.

Additional reporting by Wu Po-hsuan

Source: Taipei Times · 台北時報

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