The Political Ecology of Land Subsidence: A Case Study of the Solar Energy-Farming Scheme, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Abstract

Land subsidence in southwestern Taiwan has long been in focus as a result of its environmental and political implications. Much research has been conducted with a view to better understanding its causes and effects, but a political ecology perspective has thus far been lacking. Various policy and technological solutions are being pursued for preventing land subsidence but often the policy tools to prevent land subsidence are unable to be implemented as the interests of stakeholders vary. The solar energy-farming scheme, initiated by the Pingtung County government in 2009 following the devastation caused by Typhoon Morakot, is an illuminating case study in this regard. The scheme was established to convert low-lying land used for aquaculture into solar energy plants. The plan was not only expected to provide economic opportunities for the locals but also to prevent land subsidence. This study adopts a structural approach to analyze both natural and human elements in order to explore the problems of land subsidence. Utilizing findings from qualitative interviews, policies and documents, this paper offers a structural consideration of the political ecology of converting aquaculture to solar energy-farming in Pingtung County. The land subsidence of Pingtung may be considered a result of a convoluted system of political ecology and political economy. The solar energy plan case study casts light on how society in coastal areas of Taiwan can reverse land subsidence. Through the analysis of national policies and local actions in facing land subsidence, this chapter examines the political ecology of how the solar energy-farming scheme was established, and what this solution implies for socio-cultural, economic and environmental development.