Introduction of SOW
About SOW
The Society of Wilderness is a non-profit environmental protection organization. In 1994, Hsu Jen-hsiu, Lee Wei-Wen, and a group of other people raised the fire at Siyuan Pass, which condensed everyone’s desire to protect Taiwan’s natural ecology and became the opportunity to establish the Wilderness Conservation Association. On June 25, 1995, The Society of Wilderness was officially established and launched a series of nature conservation and environmental education activities.
Beliefs And Purpose of SOW
Through purchase, long-term lease, commission, or donation, the guardianship and management of wasteland are acquired, and it is enclosed to allow nature to manage itself and restore life as much as possible. Let us and future generations explore the mysteries of nature and understand the meaning of life through the deliberately preserved wilderness of Taiwan. Adhering to the concept of “being friends with nature,” The Society of Wilderness actively promotes environmental conservation, education, and social participation. In order to promote environmental protection more effectively, the Association has established branches in Taipei, Yunlin, Taitung, Taoyuan, Chiayi, Hualien, Hsinchu, Tainan, Yilan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, with more than 11,000 member families and volunteers participating in conservation activities.
SOW's Work
The Association’s main work covers nature conservation, environmental education, community engagement, and policy monitoring. The association actively participates in ecological conservation programs such as wetlands, forests, and oceans to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. In order to raise public awareness of the environment, the Association regularly organizes ecological tours, talks, and workshops, and provides environmental education courses for children and young people to cultivate environmental awareness among the next generation. In addition, The Society of Wilderness has launched citizen participation activities such as mountain cleanups, beach cleanups, and wetland protection, thereby encouraging more people to engage in environmental protection actions. The Association also actively monitors the government’s environmental protection policies and promotes environmentally friendly regulations, such as the Wetland Protection Law and the Plastic Restriction Policy. Over the years, The Society of Wilderness has successfully facilitated many conservation projects, contributed significantly to government policy discussions, and raised awareness of environmental issues in the community. The Association promotes the Coastal Watch Program and recruits volunteers to patrol the coast regularly, cleaning up marine debris and protecting Taiwan’s marine ecology.
Reunion
▲ Dazzling Bee Group on a small group tour
In order to establish environmental education as an integral part of life that continues from childhood into adulthood, the “Wilderness Parent-Child Group” was created. This initiative encourages parents and children to explore nature together, fostering environmental protection awareness from a young age through experiential learning and the philosophy of Yizi teaching. The primary goal of the parent-child group is to blend ecology, life, and other aspects of three-life education. Depending on the age of the children, they are grouped into the little ant group, the dazzling bee group, the running deer group, and the flying eagle group, along with a parenting association made up of parents. Utilizing the natural environment as the main learning space, students gain insight into the ethical relationship between humans and the environment, engaging in environmental protection and care through action and practice. In commemoration of the Wilderness Association’s 30th anniversary, a nationwide camping event will be organized to enable members to share their experiences in environmental conservation, exchange personal stories, and strengthen their relationships.
Activities
The Society of Wilderness has been organizing a variety of activities to provide the public with an environment and opportunities for natural ecology education and to promote the concept of ecological conservation. Local chapters will hold interesting activities according to local characteristics, which may be lectures or field explorations. Each activity is very rewarding for the participants, and the narrator will use clever guidance to take the participants into the world of nature, discovering many details that they would not otherwise notice in life. These activities are not just a learning process, but also an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature, and after the activities, participants will feel more deeply moved.
Future Development
The Society of Wilderness will continue to promote more conservation actions so that all sectors of society can work together to protect Taiwan’s natural ecology. Anyone can become a part of The Society of Wilderness by joining a membership, volunteering, donating to support, or participating in events. In these ways, everyone can do their part to protect the environment and make a difference to the planet, starting with their daily lives.