Yu-Chiang, Hsu

“Slow” Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Dalin

Cittaslow certification year: 2016

Environmental Protection and Energy: Dalin’s environmental initiatives combine urban greenery, water protection and energy efficiency. Street and park planting programmes have expanded green spaces, while the Minghua wetland project introduced wastewater purification to help improve the quality of the Sandie River. The rehabilitation of Dingyunlin Water Park also contributed to the recovery of local water environments. Energy-saving measures included LED lighting in streets and public spaces, support for heat-insulating coatings on buildings and domestic solar-water-heating systems. Minghua received recognition as a Low Carbon Demonstration Community in 2014.

Waste Management and Biodiversity: Separate waste collection requires residents to sort recyclable materials before collection, while the municipal sanitation team recovers natural materials for recycling or composting. Schools support these efforts through recycling education. Wetland conservation initiatives connect Minghua with neighbouring environmental projects. In 2015, Shanglin community began working with the local branch of the Society of Wilderness to protect the native tree frog Rhacophorus arvalis, linking community participation with habitat conservation.

Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility: Former railway corridors were converted into cycle paths, creating connections between parks, public spaces and Dalin Sugar Factory. Bicycle parking was provided at the railway station, schools, parks and township offices. Transport initiatives documented in the certification application included free services for older residents, university shuttles and a connection between Dalin railway station and Tzu Chi Hospital. Ramps, lifts, accessible toilets and designated parking spaces support access to public facilities. The railway station also incorporates green-building principles.

Urban Regeneration and Cultural Heritage: Dalin has given existing buildings and unused spaces new community functions. Railway staff accommodation was renovated, a station warehouse became a tourist information centre, and an old building in Shanglin was transformed into a storytelling house through cooperation with Nanhua University. Land beside the railway and other unused sites became gardens. The preservation programme for Wan Guo Cinema began in 2012, recognising the importance of local cinema heritage. Traditional houses and a handmade pottery workshop also contribute to the protection of local skills and cultural identity.

Agriculture, Local Products and Food Education: Farming is central to Dalin’s character, with rice, pineapples, sugar cane and other agricultural products connecting the township’s economy with its landscape. The local farmers’ organisation supports product promotion, marketing and advice to growers, while harvest-season markets provide opportunities for direct sales. Community kitchens use local ingredients whenever possible, and participating restaurants promote organic produce and environmentally responsible food choices. Farm visits and pick-your-own activities introduce families to cultivation and food production. Cooperation with Nanhua University also supported exhibitions and sales of organic products.

Social Inclusion and Community Services: Dalin’s social initiatives include childcare, family support, elder care and opportunities for young people. The Damei Community Elder Day Care Centre provides daytime assistance, while volunteers contribute to care services, environmental activities and the promotion of local products. Dalin Sports Park and community activity centres offer spaces for sport and recreation. The township’s documented integration measures include Vietnamese- and Indonesian-language assistance for new residents. Public internet access and digital-literacy classes for older people help make information and services more accessible.

Hospitality, Awareness and Partnerships: The “My Darling” landmark expresses Dalin’s visitor-welcome identity. Public information facilities and encouragement for staff to communicate in English support hospitality. Public meetings and symposiums introduced residents to Cittaslow principles during the application process. Cooperation with Nanhua University began in 2014 and included the 2015 “Natural Food and Healthy Environment Symposium”. Exchanges with Fenglin and participation in international activities in Namyangju, South Korea, helped Dalin develop its Cittaslow approach.

Events: The certification documentation records harvest-season farmers’ markets, local-product exhibitions and food-education activities. Examples include a local-products exhibition at Zhonglin Elementary School in July 2015 and a food-education exhibition in Shanglin community in September 2015. These initiatives connected producers, schools and residents through opportunities to discover and purchase local food.