Smangus way brings prosperity to remote Atayal village

2014-12-16

A communal system of sharing and sustainability has turned the remote Atayal village of Smangus in Hsinchu County’s Jianshi Township into one of the most prosperous indigenous settlements in Taiwan.

Literally “the deity’s village” in Atayal, Smangus is tucked away on Xueshan Mountain at an elevation of 1,500 meters. It was one of the last settlements in Taiwan to be connected to public utilities and had but limited connection to the outside world until 19 years ago.

The community was threatened with decline as people moved out to seek jobs. Now it is a model for indigenous communities, bringing in annual tourism revenue of over NT$20 million (US$638,780). The locals attribute their success to their unique Tnunan regime.

“Under collective management, which we established in 2004, our people co-own the land, grow crops and provide guided tours of the surrounding forest,” said Lahuy Icyeh, secretary of the Smangus community council. “Revenues from these businesses are shared among all community participants, with remaining funds going to cover expenses for the basic necessities of life.”

On average, program participants are paid NT$16,000 per month, up from NT$10,000 a decade ago, he added. Of the 178 residents in Smangus, 46 are engaged in the communal scheme, providing dining, lodging and sightseeing services for the roughly 60,000 tourists who visit the high-altitude getaway annually.

“The system has significantly improved the lives of our people,” local youth Mu Masay said. “Those who moved out often found to their disappointment that jobs are scarce and wages low in the cities. Yet they are guaranteed employment and a stable income should they return to the village and take part in the Tnunan program.”

One thing he and many villagers worry about, though, is the ecological impact tourism may pose to the mountainous haven celebrated for its pristine environment and a grove of giant ancient Formosan cypress trees. The community council is planning to limit the numbers of tourists starting next year to uphold quality of life and ensure that the environment is protected such that tourism remains a sustainable industry.

True to the Tnunan spirit of integrity, mutuality and sustainability, the Atayal residents of Smangus are finding a way to achieve harmony among people and with nature.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=225183&CtNode=413)