The Formation of a Travel Route in Turtle Island Village Community
Challenges and Objectives
The "Formation of the Travel Route in Turtle Island Village Community" project, initiated in 2016, weaves together the narratives of Turtle Island residents across Daxi Fishing Harbor and Turtle Island in Toucheng, Yilan. Led by Bosco Huang, Stay Bookstore, and Walk-in Taiwan, the project aims to curate an itinerary capturing the essence of Guishan Island and its inhabitants' stories. This collaborative effort, launched in 2018, involved the Turtle Island Community Development Association, local elders, and Huang coordinating the endeavor. Challenges persisted in engaging the community and tailoring itineraries to suit diverse travelers, promoting local development and cultural exchange.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
The collaboration behind Turtle Island's travel route involves a diverse set of contributors. Indigenous villagers share cultural insights, while Huang takes on the role of coordinator. The Turtle Island Community Development Association facilitates communication, joined by Gonglan Temple and Jian Ying Jun, offering vital cultural knowledge. External support from Walk in Taiwan brings in professional expertise, and the ideas from New Settlers and local youth add fresh perspectives and historical insights.
At the project's onset, there were concerns among the association and village elders regarding the route's impact, resulting in moderate trust levels. However, over time, trust strengthened, leading to the establishment of a fair profit-sharing system. Financially self-sustained, the project evolved under Huang's guidance, drawing significant participation despite lacking formal evaluation. It notably reshaped local relationships and contributed to the development of tourism in the area.
Revitalisation Activities
The Turtle Island initiative took a holistic approach across various dimensions – economy, environment, society, and innovation. Economically, it focused on crafting local products, expanding tourism offerings, and curating insightful documentaries. In the realm of the environment, it aimed to instill a sense of marine sustainability, positively impacting both livelihoods and environmental consciousness. Socially, it endeavored to repopulate the village, bridge generational gaps, and enrich the community's business and cultural acumen through external collaborations. Notably, innovation permeated the project as it addressed cultural disparities and youth employment by fostering immersive travel experiences that brought villages and local areas closer together.
Revitalisation Outcome
The project's evaluation revealed significant outcomes, employing both quantitative and qualitative measures. With 500 participants engaged physically, the training of three new guides and two interns, and a remarkable 300,000 online viewership for the Turtle Island documentary, the initiative extended its impact well beyond its immediate surroundings.
In terms of community well-being, the initiative promoted social harmony between indigenous villagers and new settlers. It resulted in settlers crafting sustainable educational travel routes, showcasing their commitment to community development. Economic sustainability was evident through continuous training for local tour guides and revenue generated from travel routes, ensuring the project's long-term viability. Looking ahead, future rural revitalization projects should emphasize active community engagement, strong collaborations with external entities, and regular monitoring for sustained growth.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Chien-Tu Huang. For further information, please email Chengchi University’s University Outreach Office at agridive@g.nccu.edu.tw.