Thriving from the Grassroots: The Central Taiwan Environmental Education Sites Alliance
In the heart of Taiwan, a quiet yet powerful wave of environmental education is taking shape. A group of passionate educators is moving the “classroom” beyond four walls—into forests, museums, and city parks. Together, they formed the Central Taiwan Environmental Education Sites Alliance, embarking on a journey of creativity and community collaboration.
A Different Kind of Alliance
Unlike many professional networks formed through government directives and supported mainly by project funding, this alliance sprouted from the bottom up. It wasn’t born from policies or official orders, but from shared passion.
Associate Professor Shih-Tsen Nike Liu, then Secretary-General of the Society for Environmental Education in Taiwan, brought together various environmental education sites in central Taiwan to build a platform for mutual support and growth.
The alliance began in 2013 at Taichung Metropolitan Park, where founding members signed the first memorandum of cooperation—a small but symbolic step from operating independently to collaborating across sectors.
The original nine members included the Society for Environmental Education in Taiwan, Taichung Metropolitan Park, Yushan National Park, Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute, two branches of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Highland Experimental Farm of NTU, Taichung City Education Bureau, and Changhua Green Environmental Learning Camp.
Through word of mouth, mutual encouragement, and co-hosted events, the network gradually expanded. By 2025, it had grown into a large alliance of more than twenty organizations, proving how powerful collaboration can be when driven by passion instead of hierarchy.
Building a Positive Cycle
Despite their busy regular duties, members devote time to enriching the environmental education ecosystem of central Taiwan. They co-plan annual theme events, share training resources, and exchange site-based teaching practices. More importantly, they encourage one another—offering support during challenges and celebrating successes together.
In 2023, the alliance reached a key milestone: the Central Taiwan Science Park Administration served as the annual host, organizing the annual handover event. This large cross-sector gathering showcased how environmental education can extend beyond schools, linking local communities, businesses, and industry partners—and proving it can be part of everyday life, not just a classroom subject.
This “site alliance” model has not only built stronger connections but also enhanced local teaching resources, inspiring more venues to apply as certified environmental education facilities—creating a positive cycle of growth.
Looking Ahead
From a small circle of passionate teachers, the Central Taiwan Environmental Education Sites Alliance has become a vital network shaping the future of environmental education in Taiwan.
They have also launched a Facebook page to share news, events, and teaching ideas—warmly inviting educators, researchers, and environmental learning enthusiasts to explore how central Taiwan’s diverse natural landscapes can become vibrant classrooms full of life.