Representatives from Yushan National Park and Adamello Brenta Nature Park in northern Italy signed a cooperation agreement yesterday on wildlife protection and nature conservation.
The agreement was inked by Yushan National Park Headquarters superintendent Chen Lung-sheng (陳隆陞) and Adamello Brenta Nature Park chairman Antonello Zulberti at the headquarters’ office in Shueili Township (水里), Nantou County.
Yushan Park is home to indigenous Formosan black bears, an endangered species subject to strict protection, and the Italian park is a key natural habitat of brown bears, contributing to the animal’s survival in the Alps.
Chen and Zulberti exchanged specially designed gifts featuring the two protected bear species to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and protection of their natural habitats.
“As both are high-elevation nature parks, we have much to learn from each other,” Chen said at the signing ceremony.
Located in the Italian Alps northeast of Milan, the 620.57km² Adamello Brenta Nature Park comprises the Adamello and Brenta mountain groups, which stand 400m to 3,500m high.
Its unique ecosystem comprises forests, plateaus and glaciers that host a wealth of wildlife species.
It is high on the UNESCO list of “geological” parks — territories that encompass one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also for its archeological, ecological or cultural values.
Chen said his office would draw from the Italian park’s experience in applying for UNESCO recognition as a geopark.
Zulberti said he quickly gained an appreciation for Yushan National Park’s rich natural resources and diverse climate zones and topography after touring the area.
The Italian said he hopes the two parks would cooperate for educational, cultural and conservation initiatives.
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