Many people who enjoy spending time in nature have walked along hiking trails. A trail that takes only a few dozen minutes to complete may seem effortless, but behind every safe and enjoyable path are countless hours of dedication from experts and volunteers working together.

One of the key driving forces behind trail restoration in Taiwan is the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association. Taya Group has also become an active participant in this movement.

Founded more than 70 years ago, Taya Group began exploring its approach to corporate social responsibility in 2007. In 2011, it established the Taya Pristine Homeland Foundation in Tainan, guided by the principles of environmental protection, care for life, and sustainable development. In addition to encouraging employees to engage in volunteer service, the foundation also promotes environmental education.

One of the foundation's flagship initiatives is the“Greeninside Awards,” which recognize organizations and individuals committed to environmental stewardship. In 2020, the Southern Spirit Award was presented to Sheng-Hsin Chou, Executive Director of the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association, for more than a decade of dedicated environmental work and broad social impact. This recognition marked the beginning of a lasting partnership between the association and Taya.
 

Rebuilding Forest Pathways Without Blueprints

The Thousand Miles Trail Movement was launched in 2006. Initially focused on advocating a nationwide trail network to provide safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists while preserving natural scenery and cultural heritage, the movement now promotes long-distance trails such as the Tamsui-Kavalan Historic Trails, Raknus Selu Trail, and Shanhaizhen National Greenway.

At the same time, it champions the Handmade Trail Movement, with the vision of achieving “Zero Loss of Natural Trails and Zero Growth of Concrete Trails.”


Traditionally, trail restoration projects were often outsourced by government agencies and constructed with concrete. While convenient to maintain, such methods can appear intrusive and damage local ecosystems.

Handmade trails, by contrast, rely on manual labor and traditional craftsmanship. The guiding principles are to use local materials, adapt to local conditions, and minimize environmental disturbance by avoiding heavy machinery and imported materials. Historical context is respected, and traditional building techniques are applied to create trails that blend naturally into the surrounding landscape. Examples include the use of coral stone in Penghu and bamboo materials in the Shibi Mountain area of Yunlin County.

To further professionalize the field, the association launched interdisciplinary trail studies programs in 2013. In 2018, the first certified Trail Builders were recognized, helping establish a systematic and sustainable framework for handmade trail construction. Trail Builders possess expertise in ecology, construction techniques, and local culture, while also demonstrating a commitment to hands-on land stewardship. In recent years, more than a dozen Honorary Trail Builders have been recognized for their outstanding contributions.

In March 2022, the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association led approximately 20 Taya employees and clients to the Yushan Forest Road for their first handmade trail experience.

Taya Group Chairman Shen Shang-Hung personally participated and was deeply impressed by the experience.

“I had the privilege of being assigned to a team led by Honorary Trail Builder Wu Yu-Lung,” Shen recalled. “He is a legendary figure and a pioneer of overseas mountaineering among the Bunun people, having climbed famous peaks both in Taiwan and abroad. When he arrived at the trail site, he simply observed the surroundings and mentally sketched out a construction plan without drawing anything on paper. Equipped with only basic tools, we followed his instructions to gather logs, excavate stones, and stack them properly. Although the section was only about ten meters long, it took us most of the day to find, prepare, and transport the materials.”

Today, Taya organizes approximately four to five trail-related activities each year, including two-day handmade trail projects and one-day trail interpretation programs.

 

Handmade Trails Help People Rediscover Local Culture

According to Chairman Shen, trail activities are much more than physical labor.

“Ancient trails were not built for recreation,” he explained. “They connected villages and served important economic functions such as transportation and trade. Through handmade trail work and guided interpretation, participants gain a deeper understanding of local history, culture, and ways of life. It is truly a combination of nature and humanity.”

Yang Su-Pi, Assistant Administrator of Taya Group’s General Affairs Department and a member of the foundation’s volunteer team, joined the program from its very beginning.

“In the past, hikers often took shortcuts up the mountain,” she said. “After listening to the Trail Builders, I realized that these shortcuts actually damage the environment. Repeated trampling destroys vegetation, exposes soil, and allows rainwater to create erosion channels, which can ultimately lead to trail collapse.”

Yang was also impressed by the Trail Builders’ extensive knowledge.

“While walking along the Yushan Forest Road, they introduced us to Usnea, a beautiful lichen that grows on tree branches and can even be brewed into tea. When we came across large animal bones, they explained that marrow can still remain inside and has traditionally been used to make soup.”

Although handmade trail work is physically demanding, participants gain valuable knowledge and a strong sense of accomplishment. Evenings are often spent sharing experiences and reflections with fellow volunteers.

Yang and her husband participate together whenever possible, and many other couples do the same.

“These activities are incredibly popular,” she laughed. “Registration fills up almost instantly—just like buying concert tickets. Everyone sits in front of their computers waiting for registration to open.”

Chairman Shen emphasized that Taya’s vision is to create “Happy Employees, Satisfied Customers, Fulfilled Shareholders, and a Beautiful Homeland.”

“Through handmade trail projects, employees experience the vitality of nature firsthand. The sweat they invest strengthens their connection to both the company and the land we call home, while deepening their commitment to protecting Taiwan’s environment.”

Source: Wealth Magazine
https://www.wealth.com.tw/articles/5f69cafb-7bbd-45b1-8a7a-179d6edf6d7f