TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency Pingtung Branch said Monday (Sept. 16) that it has trained 21 climbing instructors from local Indigenous tribes to promote ecotourism in Shizi Township.

These instructors will not only contribute to the tourism industry but also participate in forest conservation efforts. The project aims to uncover the stories of the tribes' ancient trees and their knowledge of the mountains, fostering the transmission of Indigenous culture, per CNA.

The Pingtung Branch plans to connect with Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area and Kenting Forest Recreation Area to create a unique ecotourism network. Additionally, a "tree gathering" event will be held on Oct. 8 at Shuangliu, offering free tree climbing experiences to visitors.

The project aims to revitalize the local economy while strengthening the tribes' dedication to forest conservation. The trained climbing instructors will also contribute to forestry efforts, including tree pruning and seed collection. 

Seed collection is the foundation of forestation. Historically, Indigenous people would climb trees to gather seeds, using nails driven into the tree trunks as makeshift footholds, according to Agriharvest.

Twenty-one local residents represent five Indigenous tribes in Shizi Township. They completed two climbing instructor training sessions held in June and September.

These participants come from Neiwen (Tjakuvukuvulj), Neishi (Kacedas), Fenglin (Kaidi), Danlu (Tjakuljakuljai), and Caopu (Puljekuwan) tribes. Their backgrounds range from elementary school teachers to retired military personnel.

Shizi Township is home to 12 Indigenous tribes, according to the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Portal.