President Ma Ying-jeou on April 4 traveled to central Taiwan’s Changhua County again for an in-depth visit to the Dacheng wetlands. The president stressed that over the past few days, he had listened to both opponents and backers of the proposed Kuokuang Petrochemical complex. He said that he had also read a considerable amount of information regarding the project, but that he still wanted to personally visit the area and hear directly from the residents there. The president expressed his hope that national policies can be discussed rationally and peacefully so that conclusions that are reached will be respected by all parties.
The president stated that the ROC has achieved a lot in recent years in the protection of wetlands and won recognition for it in international circles. While the ROC to this point still does not have a "wetlands law," the Ministry of the Interior has begun work on drafting such legislation. Wetlands conservation, he said, is something that the world community agrees is important, and it is a major objective of the United Nations (UN), as well. The president pointed out that while the ROC is not a member of the UN, it will not shirk its responsibility to protect humanity, the environment, and ecosystems, and he called for evaluation of the Dacheng wetlands to be completed as quickly as possible.
The president stated that he took an in-depth look at the wetlands today by riding on a tractor through the area, which enabled him to understand the rich ecosystem there. In particular, he was profoundly moved by the emotional attachment the oyster farmers have to the land. The president stated that he understands that oyster farming is an important livelihood for the people of the area, and the government deeply desires to strike a proper balance between industrial development and the preservation of the ecosystem. It will strictly adhere to the Constitution, which requires that economic development and environmental protection be given equal consideration, he said, adding that the government will also comply with the Basic Environment Act, which provides that, in the event that economic development has a seriously negative impact on the environment or endangers it, the protection of the environment shall prevail.
The president also expressed his appreciation to the residents of Changhua County for him to understand the situation. This has given him an even deeper love for the land, he said, adding that he will always remember this valuable experience.