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GENERAL

SoCCs INCENTIVIZE REVIVAL OF CULTURE AND NATURE FOR TAIWANESE FARMERS

SoCCs project in Hualien County, Taiwan, to address the challenges faced by the native tribes in maintaining a balance between ecological environments and economic conditions. The project aims to increase the communities' personal power and economic development by establishing a SoCCs mechanism, which will promote the preservation of biodiversity, increase carbon sinks, improve water supply, and raise farmers' income. The sample areas chosen for the study are the Wulali Tribe of Ruisui Township and the Ceroh Tribe of Yuli Township in Hualien County. The visible problems in these areas include water shortage, lack of habitat for insects and birds, and reduced frequency of raptors due to mass cultivation of rice.

Asia Initiatives, in collaboration with the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and with the generous support of the Taiwan government's TARI team, is currently implementing the ongoing SoCCs (Social Capital Credits) project in various project locations. This remarkable initiative has been making a positive impact on the communities involved.

In October 2022, the Asia Initiatives team, led by Dr. Geeta, Mrs. Surabhi Prabhu, and Mr. Gowrish, visited the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute to conduct an informative workshop on the SoCCs methodology. The workshop was attended by approximately 15 TARI team members, including senior dentists and project associates. The expertise and guidance provided by the Asia Initiatives team enabled the participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement the SoCCs methodology.

To gain a deeper understanding of the project's progress, the team also visited the project locations and engaged directly with the farmers. They had the opportunity to witness the organic pomelo cultivation by the Olalip tribe in Ruisui Township and the rice cultivation by the Ceroh Tribe in Yuli Township, Hualien County.

The impact of the ongoing SoCCs project has been truly remarkable. The farmers are actively participating in earning activities, such as collecting ethno plants, cultivating grass, and monitoring wildlife. Through their efforts, they can earn SoCCs, which they can then redeem for various benefits. For example, they can attend upskilling courses on pomelo food processing, eco-friendly cultivation, wildlife and insect conservation, and more. These activities not only empower the farmers but also ensure the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices within their communities.

Additionally, the rice cultivation farmers are actively earning SoCCs by engaging in activities that conserve tribal traditions related to plants, food, clothing, and ecological preservation. In return, they can redeem their earned SoCCs to receive support from TARI for initiatives such as creating online marketing channels, establishing market brands, publishing cultural books, and engaging in activities that promote heritage conservation.

The ongoing SoCCs project continues to have a positive impact on these communities. It provides sustainable livelihood opportunities while fostering a sense of pride and cultural preservation among the farmers. Through the collective efforts of Asia Initiatives, TARI, and the dedicated project teams, the SoCCs project serves as a shining example of community-driven initiatives that bring about positive change while promoting cultural heritage and ecological conservation.

 INITIATIVES

Environmental & Sustainability

LOCATION: Olalip tribe of Ruisui Township and the Ceroh Tribe of Yuli Township in Hualien County, Taiwan.
LOCAL PARTNERS: Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI).

PROJECT FEATURES:​​​

  • Farmers participated in conservation work, collecting data on ethno plants, recording their food culture and helping weave and wear traditional cloth.

  • Focus on ecological conservation by creating the habitat for different biological communities in the farm lands by planting the ethno plants and cultivating the grass in their own lands.

  • Farmers are monitoring the wildlife and insect habitat to preserve the balance between different ecological environments and maintain biological communities in the native tribes.

This project contributes to 6 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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