Beyond the visual similarities to the iconic Studio Ghibli film, Jiufen also boasts stunning architecture, nature and history.
Read MoreBeyond the Quakes: Taiwan’s Earthquake Preparedness
Despite being hit with a 7.4 magnitude earthquake during rush hour on April 3rd, 2024, Taiwan has emerged largely unscathed. Why is that?
A seismogram of the April 3rd, 2024 earthquake in Taiwan. James St. John. CC BY 2.0
On April 3rd, 2024, the strongest earthquake in about 25 years rocked the streets in and around Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan, followed by hundreds of aftershocks. While the search for survivors remains underway, so far 13 people have been found dead, and nearly 1,000 people have reported injuries. While any number of deaths and injuries is tragic, these figures are minuscule compared to the near 2,500 dead and 100,000 injured during the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck in 1999 and left approximately 50,000 homes destroyed.
Considering its location along the Ring of Fire and the presence of three seismic belts in the country, Taiwan has a long history of earth-shaking events. The Ring of Fire refers to a fault line around the Pacific Ocean that is home to a majority of the world’s earthquakes. Because of this, Taiwan records an average of about 2,200 earthquakes every year, with a record of nearly 50,000 during 1999. Taiwan’s mountains then amplify the impact of earthquakes, which resulted in the landslides that accounted for most of the deaths on April 3rd.
Because of this susceptibility and catastrophic earthquakes in the past, Taiwan has developed some of the best earthquake preparedness techniques in the world. Following the devastating Chi-Chi earthquake in 1999, the Taiwanese government began reforming construction regulations. This included seismic retrofitting in buildings and infrastructure across the country and the prosecution of inadequate construction practices. Years of experience have also resulted in efficient emergency response, aided by surveillance cameras and social media used to identify locations requiring aid.
Educating the public has been another initiative to prevent deaths during earthquakes and aftershocks. In addition to public awareness campaigns, the Central Weather Administration frequently publishes resources including information and tips surrounding earthquake preparedness. The Central Weather Administration has also run a real-time seismic network since 1994, which tracks data and notifies the public of seismic activity through an early warning system. The data collected by the seismic network is also used to update building codes.
GET INVOLVED
Ways for people to support Taiwan’s emergency response and earthquake preparedness include donating to and supporting organizations such as the Red Cross, Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps and Peace Winds America.
Madison Paulus
Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.
The Night Markets of Taiwan
One of the most well-known attractions in Taiwan are the night markets where people flock for delicious food, shopping and games.
Read More
The Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The 1969 Stonewall riots are credited with starting the modern gay liberation movement. NPCA Photos. CC BY-ND 2.0
Discover These 8 Gay Villages from Around the World
Gay villages, or “gayborhoods,” are neigbhorhoods within cities that provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to express themselves openly and form communities. Many gay villages feature bars and restaurants, vibrant nightlife and boundless queer history. Wherever one may find themselves, there is likely a gay village just around the corner waiting to be discovered. Here are eight gay villages from across the world.
1. Shinjuku Ni-chome, Tokyo
Buildings and neon lights in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward. Andy Miller. Unsplash
In the heart of Shinjuku ward in Tokyo, between modern skyscrapers and dazzling neon-lit billboards, hides one of Asia’s most vibrant gay villages. Shinjuku Ni-chome, shortened to just Ni-chome, has the highest concentration of gay bars in the world. Ni-chome was once Tokyo’s red-light district, but when prostitution became illegal in Japan in 1956 it became Tokyo’s gay village. In a city known for its nightlife, Ni-chome is home to fusion restaurants and nightclubs open late into the night. Many of Ni-chome’s gay bars are small and personal, fostering their own tight-knit community within the city. Ni-chome was the location of Japan’s first gay pride parade in 1994, and is where the country’s first permanent LGBTQ+ center opened in 2020.
2. Oxford Street, Sydney
A brightly colored building near Taylor Square, Sydney. Ted McGrath. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Located in the Darlinghurst neighborhood of Sydney, Oxford Street is known for its nightlife, shopping and dining venues. It is also the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community, playing host to the annual Syndey Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Unlike other Pride events, which usually occur around June, Mardi Gras is held in March, drawing over half a million attendees. The first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was held in 1978. The organizers of the event were arrested and outed by the police, which garnered national attention. The next year in 1979, another event was held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City, as well as to bring attention to the events of the previous year. Every year since then, queer Australians have gathered along the western end of Oxford Street to socialize, party and remind Australia and the world that they will not be silenced.
3. Chueca, Madrid
Pride flags hang over a crowded street in Chueca, Madrid. Ted Eytan. CC BY-SA 2.0
Chueca is a timeless neighborhood in an already historic city. Located in the heart of Madrid, this gay village is defined by its lively crowds as much as by its many cafes and boutiques. Chueca’s annual gay pride event, known as Madrid Pride, is the largest in Europe with an average crowd of over 2 million people each year. The neighborhood also hosted WorldPride Madrid 2017, an international Pride event that promotes LGBTQ+ issues globally. WorldPride 2017 was one of the largest Pride events in history, attracting an estimated 3.5 million attendees. Chueca has more to offer than just shops and festivals. For those with a love for romance and history, one can visit the Church of San Anton, where visitors will find the bones of St. Valentine himself.
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Colorful buildings in Caminito, Buenos Aires. Barbara Zandoval. Unsplash
Unlike other major cities, Buenos Aires lacks a specific gay village. However, this doesn’t mean that Buenos Aires isn’t a gay-friendly city, or that there isn’t a queer community in the Argentine capital. Rather, LGBTQ+ travelers will find pockets across the city’s many barrios that cater to gay and straight patrons alike. San Telmo, Bueno Aires’ oldest barrio, is known for its historic streets and contemporary art installations. In the city’s largest barrio, Palermo, one can find both stunning botanical gardens and the city’s largest collection of gay bars and clubs. The belle epoque buildings of Barrio Norte can instantly transport travelers to the streets of Paris. None of these neighborhoods are explicitly Buenos Aires’ gay village. Rather, visitors and locals alike will find a queer-friendly environment all across the city. Argentina is a leader of LGBTQ+ rights in the region, becoming the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010. Regardless of where travelers find themselves in Buenos Aires, they will find a progressive city paving the way for gay rights and liberation.
5. Gay Village, Montreal
A Black Lives Matter street mural in Montreal’s Gay Village. Martin Reisch. Unsplash
Montreal’s Gay Village is one of the most prominent of its type in the French-speaking world. Known as “Le Village Gai” in French, the community had to overcome decades of oppression before becoming one of the most well-known gayborhoods in the world. During the 1970s, gay businesses in the city were regular targets of the police, who often raided bars and other establishments. Police violence didn’t deter Montreal’s LGBTQ+ population. Rather, Montreal’s gay residents formed a series of demonstrations to fight injustice against their community. Now the area is one of Montreal’s most popular neighborhoods. It draws visitors from all over the world, and hosts the largest Pride in Canada. Fierte Montreal, literally “Montreal Pride,” drew more than 3 million attendees in 2019, which also makes it the largest Pride in a French-speaking city (sorry Paris!). In classic Montreal fashion, two gay villages technically exist in Montreal: an English one located near downtown, and a French one on Saint Laurent Boulevard.
6. Canal Street, Manchester, England
Canal Street in Manchester, England. David McKelvey. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
When one thinks of cosmopolitanism in the U.K., most think of London. However, travelers shouldn’t count out the city of Manchester. Canal Street easily competes with London’s Soho for the center of Britain’s queer scene. The street dates back to the early 1800s as a transportation hub, when Manchester was rapidly growing as a major industrial center. Canal Street derives its name from the Rochdale Canal which runs alongside it. By the 1950s, the neighborhood was facing urban decline. This was around the same time that Canal Street became Manchester’s main gayborhood. Like many gay villages around the world, the community faced hostility from police during the 1980s. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Canal Street was able to thrive openly as a gay village. Now the street is a proud and open community, drawing locals and travelers from both the U.K. and across the world. It is home to the annual Manchester Pride, the second-largest Pride event in Britain after London’s.
7. Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan
A rainbow-colored street in Taipei’s Ximending district. waychen_c. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Known for night markets and traditional temples, Taipei should be near the top of anyone’s list when traveling in Asia. It is also one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, and a leading example of equal rights in the region. In 2019, Taiwan became the first and only country so far in Asia to legalize same-sex marrriage. This makes Taipei not only the center of gay culture in Taiwan, but a perfect example of what LGBTQ+ equality could look like in Asia. The city’s gay village is located in Ximending, a shopping area of the historic Wanhua district. Situated near the famous Red House Theater, Ximending offers a plethora of gay bars and nightclubs open late into the night. In a city like Taipei, you don’t need to be a local to enjoy what this friendly city has to offer travelers of all kinds. However, you might need to be a night owl to fully experience this gayborhood.
8. Schoneberg, Berlin
Nollendorfplatz in Berlin’s Schoneberg neighborhood. Schoneberg is the oldest gay village in the world. Oh-Berlin.com. CC BY 2.0
Located in the western part of Berlin, Schoneberg’s history as a gay village spans nearly a century. The neighborhood’s roots lie as a village in the Middle Ages, all the way back in the 13th century. In the 1920s, as Berlin grew in size, Schoneberg became a part of the German capital. That is around the same time the area became the center of the city’s emerging queer scene. Gay nightclubs and other venues flourished during the Weimar Republic, before almost all of them were shut down when the Nazis seized power in 1933. Now, Schoneberg is once again a proud gay village. Much of the gay life in the neighborhood is centered around Motzstrasse, a street that goes right through the center of Schoneberg. The street is where Berlin’s Lesbian and Gay City Festival is held each year, one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Whether one comes for its history or its nightlife, Schoneberg is a constant reminder that queer people have always been a part of Berlin life, just as they have been a part of communities around the world.
Aerex Narvasa
Aerex is a current student at Occidental College majoring in Diplomacy and World Affairs with a minor in East Asian Studies. He is passionate about sharing people’s stories through writing, and always strives to learn about new places and cultures. Aerex loves finding new music and exploring his hometown of Los Angeles in his free time.
Consider the Tofu: A (Tasty) History
This seemingly tasteless ingredient packs a punch in iconic dishes across Asia.
Fry it, flip it, steam it, dessert-ify it—tofu’s your jack of all trades. Sherman Kwan. Unsplash.
As a relatively tasteless food, tofu is a versatile ingredient that is present in many dishes across Asia. Tofu is centuries old. While the exact date is not known, historians believe that tofu was first used over 2,000 years ago in China. This humble dish made its debut in Japan, Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and eventually in Europe after 19th-century colonialism. In Buddhist societies, the production of tofu increased as it served as a convenient meat alternative. Molded from crushed soybeans, tofu is a flexible food that goes with nearly anything. Given its absorbent nature, tofu often tastes like the spices and flavors it has marinated in. Here are a few popular tofu dishes from across Asia:
Mapo Tofu
This classic dish has roots in China’s Sichuan region. Mapo tofu is made with soft tofu and stir-fried with various chile peppers, black bean paste and ginger. If cooked properly, the sauce itself is a bright-red color laced with thin bubbles of oil. The dish can be topped off with scallions or minced meat if so desired.
Stuff your tofu too; it’s gratifying. Qlinart. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Crispy Shrimp Stuffed Tofu
In this Cantonese dish, tofu is stuffed with minced shrimp and deep-fried to crispiness. The tofu is first sliced and coated in cornstarch, then hollowed out to hold the filling. The dish is often paired with classic ingredients like Shaoxing wine, white pepper and sesame oil. These golden, bite-sized bricks can be garnished with scallions and can be dipped in a slightly sweet soy sauce.
Stinky tofu is usually sold from open-air hawker stalls. Josephine Lim. CC BY-ND 2.0.
Stinky Tofu
Tofu, when stinky, can also be a delectable treat. This smelly favorite can be found along the streets of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Stinky tofu is made from the fermented brine in which it has soaked for a few months. The mixture is usually made from fermented milk, vegetables or meat, but can also include other ingredients like dried shrimp and mustard greens. When ready, stinky tofu is commonly served deep-fried. Its bitter and salty flavor is best paired with garlic, soy sauce or chile sauce.
Steaming, savory miso soup for any occasion. Jude Masti. CC BY 2.0.
Miso Soup
Miso is a fermented paste with origins in Japanese cuisine. This concoction is produced by pickling soybeans with salt and other ingredients such as barley or seaweed. Miso is usually consumed as soup, and one of the main condiments is tofu. The tofu’s porous texture absorbs the umami saltiness of the miso and makes for a hearty, satisfying meal. It can be paired with clean white rice, mushrooms and even eggplants.
An edible lunch packed in a pouch. David Theduy Nguyen. CC BY-NC 2.0.
Inari Sushi
Tofu can even be incorporated into sushi. Inari sushi was first introduced to Japan during the 18th century. It first started off as offering food for fox-god temples scattered about the islands. Over time, Inari sushi became a staple option on kitchen tables. Inari sushi is a simpler style of sushi made with sweetened rice packed in tofu pouches. The tofu skin itself is pre-seasoned and deep-fried. The side can be topped off with sesame seeds and paired with vinegar and soy sauce for a uniquely sweet finish.
Best served piping hot. Republic of Korea. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Sundubu-jjigae
Also written as “soondubu,” this Korean dish is a soft tofu stew made with silken, curdled tofu served in a piping hot pot. Sundubu-jjigae is usually prepared spicy and can be cooked in seafood or meat broth. As the dish is bubbling, a whole egg is cracked into the mix and served almost immediately. Sundubu-jjigae is a popular Korean staple and is usually complemented with a bowl of rice and various “banchan” like kimchi, gamja jorim (sweetened braised potatoes) and salted cucumbers.
Cleanse your palate with a sweet tofu finish. Boyu Wang. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Tofu Pudding
Dau hu nuoc duong. Taho. Douhua. However it’s called, tofu can also be consumed as a dessert. Tofu pudding can be found in countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and China and takes on regional preferences. It is often paired with sweeteners like ginger syrup and brown sugar. Depending on the location, tofu pudding can also be served with peanut and strawberry.
Tofu is timeless. Devi Puspita Amartha Yahya. Unsplash.
The Future of Tofu
While tofu has a stronghold in Asian cuisines, this humble ingredient continues to change and evolve across the world. As consumers look for more sustainable alternatives, tofu stands as a ready-made, centuries-old option. Not only is it healthier, but tofu is also a flexible and equally tasty substitute for meats and other high-cholesterol foods. Despite its unassuming nature, tofu has proven its timelessness.
Rhiannon Koh
Rhiannon earned her B.A. in Urban Studies & Planning from UC San Diego. Her honors thesis was a speculative fiction piece exploring the aspects of surveillance technology, climate change, and the future of urbanized humanity. She is committed to expanding the stories we tell.
Sunrise on the Serengeti. Hu Chen. Unsplash.
10 Travel Destinations Paving the Way in Sustainability
According to the United Nations, the global community must take drastic measures to alleviate the climate crisis. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, composed of nearly 1,300 scientists, predicts that global warming could increase worldwide temperatures up to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit by 2040. This temperature rise will almost certainly exacerbate food insecurity, disease transmission, sea level rise and loss of ecosystems. From 2009 to 2013, international travel alone accounted for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Roughly 1.4 billion people travel to a new destination each year, indirectly contributing to air pollution, land degradation and strained resources. These current levels of travel threaten the Paris Agreement, which proposes an annual 7.6% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries have recognized the importance of environmental management and have striven for sustainability. From Malta to Japan, travel destinations are implementing eco-friendly practices, such as renewable energy and wildlife conservation. Travelers to these locations can explore pristine environments while positively impacting the planet.
1. Gozo, Malta
The coastline of Gozo, Malta. Zoltan Tasi. Unsplash.
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Gozo boasts a rich historical identity. Recognized by UNESCO, the Ggantija Temples are the world’s oldest free-standing structures, predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. In addition to these historical sites, the island is relatively undeveloped, offering scenic hills and untouched coastlines. The European Environment Agency regularly monitors urban waste and pollution in coastal areas. According to their assessment, Maltese beaches rank among the cleanest in Europe. Within this pristine environment, common activities include swimming, snorkeling, deep-sea diving and kayaking. Gozo also hosts 85 endemic species of flora and fauna. To protect and preserve this unique landscape, the Ministry for Gozo established the Eco-Gozo Regional Development Directorate in 2009. Over the past decade, the island has become a model for sustainable development. Through renewable energy, green transportation and plastic reduction, Gozo is committed to reducing its carbon and water footprints. Ecologists have established protected spaces for endangered species, while local craftsmen sustainably restore ancient ruins like the Ggantija Temples. To further improve the standard of living in the Gozitan community, the island implements eco-education programs in schools and offers locally sourced, organic ingredients in restaurants. Named the Mediterranean’s Best Green Destination in 2018, this small island continues to gain recognition for its innovative conservation efforts.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
The Ljubljanica River, a pure water source in central Slovenia. Pedro Szekely. CC BY-SA 2.0
Known as “Slovenia’s Green City,” Ljubljana is the first European capital to establish a “zero-waste” initiative. The city currently recycles nearly 70% of its waste, reducing landfill trash to a mere 5%. Residual waste is processed into recyclable materials, solid fuels and high-quality gardening compost. Public green spaces, which include thousands of trees, comprise a third of the city’s territory and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Visitors to Ljubljana can explore a variety of hiking trails, as well as an urban bee path that cares for 4,500 beehives. The city draws from the Ljubljanica River, which provides natural, non-processed drinking water and eliminates the need for plastic bottles. Since 2007, the historic city center has banned car traffic, allowing only bikes, pedestrians and electric trains. With fewer cars, the integrity of cultural and historical landmarks, like Preseren Square and Cobblers' Bridge, will be preserved for generations. In 2016, Ljubljana was deemed the “European Green Capital” and it plans to be zero-waste by 2035.
3. Azores, Portugal
The rugged cliffs of the Azores Islands in Portugal. Yves Alarie. Unsplash.
With nine volcanic islands, the archipelago of the Azores has diverse geological significance. The islands’ landscapes are dominated by craters, lagoons, waterfalls and lava fields. Visitors can hike among dense coastal forests, relax in natural hot springs and journey through dormant volcanoes. Azorean wildlife is varied and includes whales, dolphins, seals, bats and hedgehogs. However, rising sea temperatures spurred by climate change have driven aquatic species, such as the North Atlantic right whale, to near extinction. To protect the islands’ biodiversity, the Azores Islands harbor more than 60 marine protected areas which serve as sanctuaries for endangered species. Rather than burning fossil fuels, the Azores utilize geothermal power plants to harvest renewable energy from the earth’s subsurface. Geothermal power currently provides around 50% of the islands’ energy needs. Due to these sustainable developments, the Azores ranked among the world’s top 100 sustainable destinations in 2019.
4. Iwokrama Forest, Guyana
The dense foliage of the Iwokrama Forest. Kunal Shinde. Unsplash.
Named “The Green Heart of Guyana,” the Iwokrama Forest is one of the last pristine tropical forests in the world. For decades, global timber industries have exploited these natural ecosystems through deforestation, generating 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. While tropical forests only occupy 7% of the Earth’s surface, they capture and store carbon naturally, with Iwokrama capturing over 1.4 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. In order to mitigate the loss of vital vegetation, Iwokrama employs a polycyclic harvesting system, resulting in the removal of less stems per acre and no significant gaps in the forest canopy. The Forest Stewardship Council has commended these forest management practices, which prioritize locals, wildlife and the natural environment. Amid lush forests, wetlands and savannas, visitors might encounter diverse wildlife such as jaguars, giant anteaters, black caimans and harpy eagles. While traversing the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, a 500-foot series of suspension bridges, travelers can examine nearly 6,500 species of plants. In 2016, Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Iwokrama Forest with the Green Award for its exemplary environmental stewardship.
5. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
A Galapagos sea turtle swimming off the coast. Wexor Tmg. Unsplash.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos National Park and surrounding waters are protected for conservation. The 19 islands boast distinct landscapes, ranging from barren volcanic rocks to green sand beaches formed by olivine crystals. The Galapagos are home to a variety of endemic species, including 15 mammals, 45 bird species and 79 types of fish. Due to wildlife sanctuaries and habitat restorations, vulnerable animals like tortoises, iguanas and sea lions live in harmony with humans. The Galapagos Islands also have a rich variety of endemic flora, with over 500 species discovered. When visiting the Galapagos, visitors are expected to act responsibly and treat the environment with respect. Common activities include snorkeling alongside sea turtles, hiking over dried lava beds and whale watching from kayaks. The Galapagos National Park is well maintained and protected by park rangers and volunteers, who partake in regular coastal cleanups. However, to ensure long-term sustainability, the islands offer outreach and education programs. Ecologists and environmental experts teach locals and visitors about the harmful effects of climate change and pollution in the hopes that this diverse landscape will endure for years to come.
6. Felicite Island, Seychelles
Felicite Island in the early morning. Nenad Radojčić. Unsplash.
Located in the Indian Ocean, Felicite Island contains parts of Ramos National Park and multiple marine protected areas. This small island community has multiple initiatives to conserve energy and invites visitors to share the responsibility of offsetting their carbon footprint. Drip irrigation has been introduced as a solution to water and energy waste. Widespread rainwater harvesting allows the use of rainwater for non-potable needs, such as washing clothes and watering gardens. Organic vegetable gardens support the ultimate aim of self-sustained food and beverages in the Seychelles. Special efforts are given to waste reduction, with zero-waste and plastic-free initiatives. Recently, island officials banned plastic bags, plates, cups and plastic foam boxes in order to mitigate ocean pollution. Additional conservation programs include a reforestation project, sea turtle monitoring and coral restoration. Within this pristine paradise, visitors can partake in snorkeling, diving and community outreach programs regarding climate change.
7. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Elephants, an endangered species, graze the Serengeti. Hu Chen. Unsplash.
Founded in 1951, Serengeti National Park houses one the highest concentrations of mammals in Africa, with species such as lions, giraffes and hippos. It is also known for the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world, with over 6 million zebras, gazelles and wildebeests stampeding over the fertile plains. At least four globally threatened or endangered species, such as elephants and cheetahs, thrive in these heavily-patrolled conservation areas. Guided safaris allow visitors to witness this diverse wildlife from a close proximity. Serengeti, however, is committed to sustainable visitation in order to protect the environment from irreversible damage. Human activity and waste disposal are closely monitored by park rangers. Conservation areas and secure breeding grounds also mitigate the impacts of deforestation, poaching and urbanization. Through such practices, Serengeti National Park allows wildlife to roam freely in their natural habitat, an increasingly rare commodity.
8. Republic of Palau
Coral reefs, an endangered ecosystem. Qui Nguyen. Unsplash.
Located in the western Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Palau includes over 200 volcanic and coral islands. Palau supports a diverse aquatic environment, inhabited by nearly 700 coral species and 1,400 fish species. Coral reefs protect coastlines from waves, provide wildlife with refuge and offer opportunities for recreation. Due to climate change, this vital ecosystem is severely threatened. The Coral Reef Research Foundation promotes water conservation, renewable energy and recycling to mitigate coral destruction. In 2018, Palau banned sunscreens that contain environmental pollutants and established marine sanctuaries in 80% of its territorial waters. Travelers to Palau must sign a pledge declaring that they will preserve and protect the island. While scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing, visitors must adhere to this pledge and respect wildlife.
9. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Sun Moon Lake at sunset. Eddy Tsai. CC BY-SA 2.0
Residing in the foothills of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, Sun Moon Lake prides itself on maintaining a low carbon footprint. Public transportation routes have decreased the reliance on driving, thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. Cable car systems, electric boats and cycling paths are common alternatives to cars at Sun Moon Lake. This rural region also hosts a range of dams which generate 62% of Taiwan's total hydroelectricity. Travelers to Sun Moon Lake can hike through dense forests, kayak in turquoise waters and interact with Indigenous people who live in the area. Thao natives, such as the Bunun, believe humans and Earth are intrinsically connected, opting to practice sustainable farming and fishing. Sun Moon Lake adheres to this philosophy and strives to protect the fragile environment.
10. Kamaishi, Japan
A traditional Japanese torii. Tianshu Liu. Unsplash.
Along the rugged Sanriku Coast, Kamaishi is an important fishing and industrial city. In 2011, a 45-foot tsunami swept through the city, devastating the local fishing industry and taking the lives of roughly 1,000 people. Amid ongoing reconstruction efforts, Kamaishi is prioritizing sustainability. Established two years after the tsunami, the Sanriku Fukko National Park consists of towering cliffs, unique stone formations and isolated coastlines. The Jodogahama and Kirikiri beaches, surrounded by vibrant green pine trees, host diverse marine ecosystems. Salmon, scallops, crabs and sea urchins are among the many aquatic animals that receive protections from overfishing. Through coastal cleanups, inland forestry conservation and river purification, Kamaishi strives to reduce the impact of industrial pollution. Forms of public transportation, such as electric trains and ride-shares, further mitigate car traffic and fossil fuels. Kamaishi is also a leader in renewable energy, relying on solar power and biomass fuel to power residential areas. Environmental organizations have commended Kamaishi for rebuilding a cleaner community in the wake of such a devastating natural disaster.
Shannon Moran
is a Journalism major at the University of Georgia, minoring in English and Spanish. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she is passionate about languages, cultural immersion, and human rights activism. She has visited seven countries and thirty states and hopes to continue traveling the world in pursuit of compelling stories.
Taiwan Face-To-Face
Taiwan, a state in East Asia, neighbors the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Philippines. The videographer, Tiemo Weidemann, comments on his filming saying “I travelled through Taiwan for 4 months, and with this video I'd like to show this beautiful country through my eyes. I experienced the busy lives in the big cities, got overwhelmed by the other-worldly peace of the nature, lost myself feeling at home in the countryside and found value in the numerous traditions the Taiwanese people hold in such high regard.”