President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced a new “national urban forest adaptation plan” during the Arbor Day event on Thursday, highlighting the government’s proactive stance on climate change. This year’s Arbor Day theme, “rooted in place, living in resilience,” underscores the importance of sustainable forestry. Lai said the initiative will unite the central and local governments to implement a long-term system for “planting the right trees in the right places” and maintaining them effectively. Forest management will also be integrated into Taiwan’s net-zero strategy to enhance natural carbon sinks and ensure each reforestation effort contributes to carbon reduction. 

Speaking at the anti-terrorism training center, situated along a wetland conservation corridor, Lai noticed the symbolic blend of urban and natural landscapes, calling the event meaningful for sustainable development. 

The president emphasized that afforestation not only purifies the air and stores carbon but also protects soil, preserves biodiversity, and stabilizes the environment. He says more countries now treat forest restoration as a core element of climate governance and pledged to institutionalize this through the Presidential Office National Climate Change Committee

Lai also encouraged corporate participation aligned with ESG and TNFD standards, inviting citizens to join the planting movement. “Every tree we plant strengthens our homeland and secures our future,” he said.