Evaluation and improvement of administrative systems of national parks in Taiwan--approaching the 'park fragmentation' problem

The purpose of this study was to suggest a strategy for improving administrative systems of Taiwan's national parks and solving the issue of jurisdictional fragmentation.;This study began with an analysis of current administrative systems of Taiwan's national parks in terms of: (1) law and policy; (2) organization; and (3) people. It then identified and discussed the weaknesses which exist in current administration and management of national parks in Taiwan and that are particularly apt to cause the problem of park fragmentation.;A strategy was developed through a process of integration based on: (a) administrative problems of Taiwan's national parks; (b) the experiences of the United States and Japan; and (c) individual ideals. The strategy consists of six Major Actions and five Cooperative Actions. The Major Actions, which can be conducted solely or mostly by the responsible agency for national parks--the Ministry of the Interior, were particularly designed for improving the administration of national parks in Taiwan. The Cooperative Actions were developed to help achieve Major Actions and provide a direction for promoting nationwide nature conservation. In contrast to the Major Actions, the determination and execution of the Cooperative Actions need integrated efforts from the related agencies.