A comparison of the natural resource management regimes of Tasmania and Taiwan

This thesis examines and compares two natural resource management regimes, those of the Australian State of Tasmania and the sovereign state of Taiwan, with a focus upon their respective terrestrial natural reserve systems. Recommendations for future improvements are made for both islands. Taiwan is an island about half the size of Tasmania, yet the former has a population more than 48 times greater than the latter. The two island ecosystems are similar in some respects, but the contrasts are more marked than the similarities. It would be beneficial for both islands to share their experiences of natural resource management. This study undertakes such a comparison with a view to facilitating exchange of knowledge in the field of environmental management. Despite its dramatically smaller population, Tasmania's terrestrial natural resource management is more highly developed than Taiwan's in some respects. For example, the New Public Management (NPM) model has been employed as a framework for regime reform in Tasmania, but not in Taiwan. There is, nevertheless, room for improvement in planning and practice on both islands. The Tasmanian government structure provides a more integrated approach to natural resource management, especially with regard to its nature reserve system, and Taiwan could learn from this in planning for the future. The successful Landcare movement and accumulated treaty-derived conservation experience, in, for example, World Heritage Area and Ramsar site management, are appropriate for adaptation in Taiwan to foster community involvement and prepare itself for the transition to involvement in international affairs. On the other hand, the integrated environmental education coordination across governmental agencies in Taiwan, although not yet implemented, could be considered as a future approach in Tasmania.