Pingxi sky lantern environmental dispute – Seeking sustainable development

Pingxi sky lanterns have gained international renown over the past two decades. They are the main driver of the local economy, attracting almost 7 million tourists in 2019, following closely behind the top tourist spots of Danshui and Jiufen. However, the environmental impact of sky lanterns is a serious concern for everyone. Thanks to the efforts of artisan Lin Guohe (林國和), a “sustainable sky lantern” made of recycled paper has become a new choice of sky lantern in Pingxi.

The glowing halo of sky lanterns helped revive Pingxi after the local mining industry waned in the 1990s. From making sky lanterns to running shops, selling souvenirs, and recycling sky lanterns, the income from this industry has supported the livelihoods of local families for decades. Today, the common goal and aspiration of locals is the prosperity and sustainability of Pingxi. Through steadfast conviction, locals are expanding the possibilities for sustainability and creating a new future for this idyllic mountain abode.

以下為中文對照

平溪天燈環保爭議 尋求永續發展可能

平溪天燈二十年來成為國際亮點，帶動了地方經濟，觀光人次僅次於淡水和九份，在2019年更已達到了近700萬人。然而天燈的環保問題一直受到大家的關注，在林國和師傅的努力下，以再生紙製成的「永續天燈」，成了平溪天燈新選擇。

天燈的光環使九〇年代因礦業停採而沒落的平溪再次復甦，從製作天燈、經營店舖、販售紀念品到天燈回收，這項產業帶來的收入養活了當地家家戶戶的生計。然而現在平溪的繁榮與永續，是現在當地人共有的目標與盼望，願以那份堅定的信念，來拓展永續發展的可能，為這座美麗的山城開創嶄新的未來。

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