February
Cittaslow alliance launched in Miaoli County
Four CITTASLOW are joined in the new committee, Fonglin, the first one assessed in 2013, Dalin, Sanyi and Nanzhuang. The new Territorial Area Coordinator was nominated the Mayor of Fonglin, Mr. Hsiao Wen-lung. Pisani accompanied by the Secretary General Oliveti, after the ceremony have visited all the four CITTASLOW members in Taiwan.
The Cittaslow Taiwan Territorial Area Coordinating Committee was launched Feb. 23 in Miaoli, reflecting a growing local appreciation for the value of the global slow city movement in helping smaller communities pursue alternative development programs aimed at improving quality of life.
Comprising Dalin Township of Chiayi County in southern Taiwan, Fonglin Township of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan, and Nanzhuang and Sanyi townships in Miaoli County of northern Taiwan, the alliance is established in accordance with the charter of Italy-headquartered Cittaslow International.
Miaoli County Magistrate Hsu Yao-chang said at the launch ceremony that the alliance is set to play a central role in promoting the culture, food, traditional crafts and tourism assets of the four townships, as well as enhancing their global visibility. It will also assist more local townships in obtaining Cittaslow accreditation and initiate exchanges among member communities worldwide, he added.
In response, Cittaslow President Stefano Pisani said he welcomed the ongoing efforts of Taiwan’s public and private sectors in embracing and advancing his organization’s philosophy, which places a premium on ecological conservation, healthy living, enjoying local produce and pursuing sustainable development. Pisani and Cittaslow Secretary-General Pier Giorgio Oliveti are visiting Taiwan for the first time to experience the unique culture of the four townships.
According to Cittaslow, Fonglin was the first in Taiwan admitted to the organization in June 2014, and won the Cittaslow Local Economy Award the following year for a project enhancing appreciation of traditional food and benefiting local producers. The other three townships came on board in early 2016.
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Photo: Miaoli County Magistrate Hsu Yao-chang (third left) is joined by Cittaslow President Stefano Pisani (fourth left) and Cittaslow Secretary-General Pier Giorgio Oliveti (sixth left) in giving the thumbs-up to newly launched Cittaslow Taiwan Territorial Area Coordinating Committee Feb. 23 in Miaoli County. (Courtesy of Miaoli County Government)