President Chen Shui-bian received this morning a group of environmental protection activists whose efforts were recently confirmed by a yearly award recognizing achievements in this aspect. The president noted that people can contribute their own efforts in the protection and improvement of environment as long as they start from themselves and begin from the very small things.
The president's remarks:
I am very glad today to meet everyone here in the Presidential Office. I am aware that all of you have been selected through an extremely competitive process throughout the country and are the most excellent people regarding environmental protection. I hereby express my most sincere respect, congratulations and gratitude to your longtime efforts in all kinds of affairs about environmental protection and to the sacrifice and contribution you have made to this land.
Despite difficult circumstances and limited resources, the diligent work of the Taiwan people has created an economic miracle that is world-renowned and has paved the way for a wealthy life of the later generations. Industrial improvement, impact of globalization, and the insufficient knowledge about environmental protection have cost us dearly, however. Our natural resources have depleted gradually over time, and our land environment was over explored. Lives and properties came under serious threat whenever a typhoon hits the island. And it is especially true in recent years. This makes us realize that the work of environmental protection is getting more urgent than ever. We should cherish the resources and the other things we have as far as our environment is concerned. As sustainable development of environment becomes the main concern of countries worldwide, it requires great wisdom and efforts to make the best use of every resource we have without polluting it, be it water, power or agriculture.
Some may think that economic development and environmental protection are sure to clash with each other. But I think that the faster a country develops, the greater the chance that the people should be on alert about their environmental protection so they can avoid damages beyond repair. Due to Taiwan's dense population, we have a more urgent need to protect our resources, compared to other countries. This is why the government never stops its effort in emphasizing the importance of environmental protection. And I believe that Taiwan is the "formosa," the beautiful island, and is now the "green silicon island." This is not only the Taiwan that everyone and I have pictured in our quest for a balanced environmental protection and economic and technological development, but also a value that has been recognized by everyone.
In closing, I expect that all of us would continue our steady efforts, bringing the consciousness of environmental protection, knowledge and ideals in this regard to people all over the country. And through recognizing your environmental protection achievement, we aim to bring to the society more inspiration and positive influences. There is only one Taiwan and there is only one Earth. Only by working hand in hand and concerning more about the space we live in can we realize Taiwan's sustainable development, making it a "green giant" standing over the Pacific Ocean.