Policy rhetoric and the implementation of environmental science and technology parks in Taiwan

The concept of industrial ecology have been applied to local and regional sustainability goals and policies in many countries. To promote the growth of green industry and the formation of a “recycle-oriented society,” the Taiwanese government also launched an ecoindustrial parks project in 2002. This research examines stakeholder perceptions of the environmental science and technology park (ESTP) in Kaohsiung County and stakeholder perspectives on sustainable development. The research methods adopted include documentary analysis and in-depth interviews. A matrix framework composed of major dimensions (i.e. environmental, economic, and social) and a sequence of intensity of sustainability (i.e. deep green, strong, and weak sustainability, and treadmill reality) are employed in analysis. Kaohsiung County has suffered from environmental problems, caused by long-term industrialization. The ESTP project has been seen as a means to solve the increasing waste pollution problem, escape civil complaints about the industrial waste treatment area, and improve the image of the existing industrial estate. To cope with unemployment and economic decline, the government prioritizes economic sustainability. Environmental NGOs focus on environmental sustainability and adopt strong sustainability positions. Although the government and the management center place emphasis on rigid environmental regulations of the ESTP, the environmental NGOs worry that waste recycling and treatment might lead to worsening environmental pollution. The by-product exchange is very limited, and the environmental impact is insufficiently monitored. Local residents seem to know little about the ESTP, which shows a lack of transparency and communication. This study highlights the gap between the policy rhetoric and practical implementation. It concludes by arguing for more dialogue between stakeholders and citizen participation in the development of the ESTP and policies of sustainable development.