A cooperation pact on protecting endangered species was inked Feb. 8 virtually by representatives of Taipei and Kyoto Zoos, underscoring the commitment of Taiwan and Japan to strengthening regional and global biodiversity.
Under the agreement concluded by Taipei Zoo Director Liu Shyh-fen and Kyoto Zoo Director Hidefusa Sakamoto, the world-class facilities will work together in advancing breeding programs, public education, related R&D, staff training, and exchanges on gorilla care and conservation. In addition, Taipei Zoo is to receive a Grevy’s zebra from its Kyoto counterpart.
Other participants in the ceremony included Lee Shyh-bing, director general of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka; Murashima Ikuyo, secretary general of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association’s Cultural Affairs and Public Relations Department; Chen Su-hui, deputy commissioner of Taipei City Government’s Department of Education; and Nobuyuki Kitamura, supervising director of Kyoto City’s Culture and Citizens Affairs Bureau.
According to Taipei Zoo, the pact is the ninth it has finalized with a Japanese facility, and the first signed by Kyoto Zoo with a foreign counterpart. The agreement is expected to pave the way for additional Taiwan-Japan wildlife protection tie-ups going forward, Taipei Zoo said.
The extensive efforts of Taipei Zoo to deepen collaboration with Japanese facilities were recognized with the awarding of a Japan Foreign Minister’s Commendation in December last year. The honor—conferred to individuals and groups making outstanding contributions in international fields, as well promoting bilateral friendship—was presented by JTEA Chief Representative Hiroyasu Izumi in Taipei. (DL-E)
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