Sustainability is more than just a slogan—it’s a practical lifestyle and a strategic path for regional revitalization. This Friday, PANJIT held its final sustainability lecture of the year, welcoming Professor Mei-Hui Chen, founder of the Taiwan Ecotourism and Place Making Alliance, to share insights on the topic: “Green Coexistence: From Community Forestry to Regenerative Development.” With a wealth of research and field experience, Professor Chen offered an inspiring and engaging session that sparked reflection among all attendees.
Making Sustainability Tangible: Connecting Agroforestry with Ecotourism
Professor Chen guided the audience through a series of powerful case studies that revealed the interconnectedness between community forestry, ecological tourism, friendly agriculture, and carbon offset models. Her talk highlighted:
• Biodiversity conservation starting with local species and land management
• Community-based tourism that supports both the environment and local livelihoods
• Agroforestry and under-canopy economies as tools for environmental and social resilience
• The role of DMOs (Destination Management Organizations) in building stronger ecotourism networks
• Sustainable models that demonstrate how economic growth and conservation can coexist
One of the key takeaways was the concept of “Deep Economy”, which proposes that local communities can flourish by building deep-rooted economic systems that are harmonious with nature. This model provides new, long-term development opportunities and was met with strong resonance from participants.
From Awareness to Action: Empowering Everyday Participation
The seminar was filled with energy and interaction. Professor Chen’s humorous and down-to-earth style, combined with powerful on-the-ground examples, created a compelling narrative that touched on conservation education, community engagement, and sustainable industry transformation. Employees left with a broader perspective on environmental issues and a deeper sense of how individual participation can make a real difference.
As ESG thinking continues to shape corporate values, especially around the social and environmental pillars, this seminar exemplified how knowledge-sharing and value-driven dialogue can be powerful tools for transformation within the workplace.
Green coexistence is not just an ideal—it’s a movement that starts with us.