In the early days, vegetation coverage in the Matsu area was relatively sparse. It was not until the period of military administration that large-scale tree planting and afforestation were carried out to provide cover for military facilities. These efforts have contributed to today’s lush greenery and rich ecosystems. To enhance understanding of plant selection and landscape maintenance management, Matsu National Scenic Area Headquartes of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications recently invited Dr. Chiu-Chuan Chen, Vice President of the Taiwan Institute of Landscape Environment, and Mr. Wen-Liang Lo, an examiner for Taichung City Government’s certified arbor pruning
tests, to conduct a series of lectures and training sessions in Matsu. The two-day program began with indoor lectures covering topics such as planting standards, seedling selection and inspection, and pruning principles. This was followed by hands-on field exercises, allowing participants to gain practical experience and become familiar with operational techniques.
Dr. Chiu-Chuan Chen explained that during the period of military administration, pioneer plant species were introduced in the Matsu area to enable rapid afforestation and to help stabilize the soil. Now that the region has opened up to tourism, there is an opportunity to gradually replacethese pioneer species with other types of vegetation, allowing the ecosystem to evolve into a more stable and diverse plant community, thereby enhancing the richness and variety of the andscape. He also emphasized that the replacement process should follow the natural life cycle of the pioneer species, with gradual and steady adjustments. By allowing the pioneer plants to decline naturally, environmental disturbance can be minimized and the ecological impact reduced.
During the hands-on training session, special attention was given to key techniques and precautions for plant pruning. For example, it was explained that pruning cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle to reduce the time rainwater or dew remains on the wound, thereby lowering the risk of decay or disease. When removing branches, participants were advised to make an initial cut on the underside before cutting from the top, to prevent the bark from tearing and damaging the remaining branch due to the weight and momentum of the falling limb. The course combined both theory and field practice, allowing over 30 participants—including staff from the Matsu Airport of the Civil Aeronautics Administration, the Department of Industrial Development of the Lienchiang County Government, as well as local engineering consultants and construction contractors—to gain a deeper understanding through hands-on experience. It is hoped that the landscape and vegetation of the Matsu region will continue to flourish and reach new heights in the future.
Matsu National Scenic Area Headquartes stated that, in response to the tourism development trend centered on “Sustainability and Resilience × Digital Innovation,” scenic areas across Taiwan are actively integrating the concept of sustainable development. With its unique historical background and ecological environment, Matsu continues to advance local construction projects while striving to balance disaster reduction, environmental sustainability, ecological conservation, and community needs—ultimately aiming to showcase the beauty of Matsu's tourism on the international stage.
