Ten years to grow trees, but a hundred to rear people E.SUN–NTU ESG Centenary Project
As global warming heats up by the day, E.SUN FHC is proactive to endorse the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 13 Climate Action and Goal 15 Life on Land, by taking action. A highlight for this year is the E.SUN–NTU ESG Centenary Project. Launched on March 25, it comprises two subprojects, with one aimed at planting 100,000 cypress trees native to Taiwan and the other at reviving millet cultivation
in Xinyi Township, Nantou County. Joining forces and resources, E.SUN FHC and NTU honor their commitment to society by taking action to protect the environment and ecosystem of Taiwan, thereby forging a sustainable symbiosis between the economy and nature.
The first subproject focuses on growing cypress trees unique to Taiwan in the Yushan mountain range. These include Chamaecyparis formosensis (Taiwan Red Cypress), Chamaecyparis taiwanensis, Taiwania, Calocedrus formosana (Taiwan Incense Cedar), and Taiwan cunninghamia. A total of 100,000 trees will be planted in an area of 50 hectares over 10 years. These are expected to help reduce 242,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the coming century, equivalent to 617 times the annual carbon absorption
of Taipei's Da'an Forest Park. After thinnings, some 25,000 trees will be left to grow 100 years and beyond. On top of helping with homeland security and soil and water conservation, this subproject promises to bring benefits in carbon fixation and the circular economy.
The second subproject aims to revive 28 varieties of millet that were once native to Xinyi Township, Nantou County but are now all but extinct. This is to be done through NTU ushering in the said varieties from a U.S. seed bank. The goal is to revitalize the Bunun community's millet industry and tribal culture and, in turn, extend a cultural heritage unique to Taiwan's aborigines.
