Taiwan Promotes Climate Resilience at NDCFI Marketplace
By Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) promoted initiatives geared towards climate resilience during the second NDC Investment Forum held at Harbor Club Hotel, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from July 5-7, 2022.
The NDC Investment Forum falls under the Caribbean Nationally Determined Contribution Finance Initiative (NDCFI), an open Caribbean platform for climate action.
During the Marketplace that formed part of the Investment Forum, hoop greenhouses were showcased as part of the Republic of China (Taiwan) support for the three-day event. Attendees got the opportunity to learn more about the use and benefits of using hoop greenhouses from the knowledgeable Taiwan Technical Mission staff.
Hoop greenhouses protect outdoor growing areas from heavy rainfall, extreme heat and winds that can harm leaves and also plants’ ability to photosynthesize. They also reduce the premature loss of flowers caused by heavy rains.
Hoop greenhouses were introduced to Saint Lucian farmers by the Taiwan Technical Mission as part of the “Enhancement of the Efficiency of Production – Distribution Supply Chain in Fruit and Vegetable Sector (Second Term)”, a collaboration between the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Ministry of Agriculture. Many Saint Lucian farmers are currently using them to grow cantaloupes,
watermelons and other short crops, resulting in higher yields and more marketable produce.
Also known as the “Seven Crops Programme”, the project aims to address the production challenges farmers face due to the effects of climate change. Under the project, farmers are now receiving technical assistance on growing the following crops: soursop, pumpkin, cabbage, zucchini, carrot, eggplant, corn, dragon fruit, and sugar apple.
The drip irrigation system was another technology featured by the TTM at the Investment Forum Marketplace. Drip irrigation involves dripping water onto the soil at very low rates from a system of small diameter plastic pipes fitted with outlets called emitters or drippers. This prevents disease by minimizing water contact with the leaves, stems and fruits of plants. It also allows the rows between plants to remain dry, thereby improving access and reducing weed growth.
Finally, a third component of the TTM’s showcase was “Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050”, which was officially published in March 2022. It essentially provides the action pathway towards achieving “2050 Net-Zero Emissions”, and aims to promote technology R&D and innovation in key areas, guide the green transition of industry, and drive a new wave of economic growth.
