Positive Changes in Countries Part 22 - Faithful Governments, Faithful Citizens: Taiwan (Formosa), France, Gabon

Taiwan (Formosa) is a recipient of the Shining World Leadership Award for Compassion. Located in the ocean waters neighboring mainland China, Japan, and the Philippines, this island nation was originally called "Ilha Formosa" by Portuguese explorers, which means "Beautiful Island." The Taiwanese (Formosan) people are known for their inventiveness and creativity, combining science with colorful design. The nation’s pivot toward technological innovation is due in part to government support and non-profit organizations such as the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). With a concern for the well-being of society, ITRI has supported hundreds of small technology businesses in their development toward success. Taiwan (Formosa) has also become one of the world’s top glass recyclers and is home to Asia’s first electronic-waste recycling facility. Taiwan (Formosa) has also seen a growing interest in veganism, with Taipei being declared Asia’s top destination for vegans. The number of vegetarians in Taiwan (Formosa) is about 2.5 million, or about 13.8% of the total population, ranking second highest globally next to India. During a video conference at the New Land Ashram on October 29, 2019, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke about the wonders here. The country of France is known for its world-renowned art, majestic architecture, enchanting pastoral villages, and spectacular Mediterranean beaches. French culture is synonymous with beauty, fashion, romance, creativity, and fine arts. France is at the forefront of implementing goals such as replacing coal plants with renewable energy sources and reducing nuclear power by at least 50%. Preserving wildlife is another top priority for France, which was the first country in Europe to ban ivory imports. The nation has also enacted policies to restore populations of endangered animals. Bordering the ocean on its western coast in central Africa, Gabon is a country endowed with natural resources and forests. Gabon is proactively seeking to transform its prosperous oil-based economy into a more sustainable one. Through the development of renewable energies, along with rainforest preservation, Gabon seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 50% by 2025, compared to 2005 levels. Wishing to benefit rural populations as well as ecosystems, the Gabonese government has announced plans to increase its hydropower electricity supplies. A previous dam construction was canceled when the government learned that going forward could harm the environment. Gabon also plans to build eight solar power plants in three provinces of the country.