Chinese Name: 新故鄉文教基金會
Established: February 1999
Address: No.32-1, Taomi Rd., Puli Township, Nantou County 545, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Website: https://homeland.org.tw
Did You Know That…?
In 2022, the New Homeland Foundation received the Community Contribution Award at the inaugural Ministry of Culture’s Community Empowerment Awards.
Founded in February 1999 in Puli Township, Nantou County, the New Homeland Foundation faced significant challenges when the devastating earthquake of September 21 rendered its office unusable. The very next day, the foundation mobilized its members to begin rebuilding the neighborhood, starting in Taomi Community (桃米社區), the township’s most impoverished area. This rebuilding project involved field investigations and infrastructure improvements, aiming to transform Taomi into an ecological village. Due to the success of the Taomi project, the foundation dedicated the following decade to establishing and promoting Puli as a butterfly kingdom.
In 2010, the foundation sought to expand its ecological village model to the entire township. With support from the Ministry of Culture, they strove to revive Puli’s historical identity as a butterfly kingdom from the 1950s, a period when it was a major hub for butterfly research and crafts. Consequently, the foundation identified 78 butterfly habitats and planted 115 species of honey plants, totaling approximately 50,000 trees. By protecting butterfly species and promoting honey plants alongside craft-making programs, the foundation enhanced Puli’s butterfly image and developed a new model for environmental conservation and ecological development.
In an unexpected turn, the foundation relocated the Paper Dome, originally constructed in Kobe, Japan, to Puli Township. This church, built with paper tubes, serves as a meeting point for the community and local schools. As a result of collaborative efforts between local NGOs and schools, the Butterfly Orchestra was established there, providing resources for music-loving children who otherwise lack such opportunities.
Liao Chia-chan (廖嘉展), chairman of the New Homeland Foundation, expressed his hope that interactions among diverse communities will further enhance local eco-tourism and develop a variety of programs for visitors, which help to showcase Puli’s beauty to a wider audience.
(Image: The New Homeland Foundation)