Professor Kuang-Chung Lee from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography at National Dong Hwa University (NDHU), has been awarded the “Distinguished Contributor to Forestry and Nature Conservation” by the Ministry of Agriculture. The award recognizes his remarkable contributions to the Satoyama Initiative and biodiversity conservation. At the award ceremony—hailed as the “Green Oscars”—held on October 18, Professor Lee was honored alongside 14 other individuals and 3 groups. Deputy Minister Wen-Chen Tu commended Professor Lee for his success in integrating academic, civic, and governmental efforts to promote the conservation and sustainable use of Taiwan’s natural resources.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture provided the following recommendation: Professor Kuang-Chung Lee of the NDHU is a key pioneer in promoting the Satoyama Initiative in Taiwan. He founded the Taiwan Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (TPSI), successfully facilitating the participation of 28 domestic organizations in the international network. His efforts have further linked community forestry with Taiwan Ecological Network, advancing resilient local community development. His achievements have not only strengthened Taiwan’s ecological foundation but also made Taiwan’s experience an international model, showcasing a sustainable vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

NDHU President Hui-Mi Hsu stated that Professor Lee’s dedication has positioned NDHU as a pioneer of the Satoyama Initiative in Taiwan, inspiring faculty and students to engage in sustainable rural development. Last year, NDHU further established the Satoyama-Satoumi Office under the University Center for Sustainable Development, with Professor Lee serving as its director. This recognition highlights NDHU’s leadership role in both domestic and international collaborations under the Satoyama Initiative. Moving forward, NDHU will continue to advance its efforts toward building a sustainable Taiwan.