The Department of Wood Science and Design at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), in collaboration with the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Sustainable Agri-Forestry Production Cooperative, has launched a joint initiative to promote green economies and forest by-product industries. Under the guidance of the Pingtung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the “Scent of the Mountains” annual achievement exhibition was held at Mino Tobacco in Meinong District, Kaohsiung, on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Themed “Wind Through the Mountain’s Heart, Fragrance in Every Note—Within a Scent, All Things Are Natural,” the exhibition showcased a new vision for sustainable forestry and regional revitalization. The event, which was open to the public through to December 14, marked a significant milestone in industry-academic cooperation.
EMPOWERING LOCAL INDUSTRY THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY
The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Sustainable Agri-Forestry Production Cooperative consists of local residents and industry practitioners from Liugui, Kaohsiung, and Neipu, Pingtung. Dedicated to exploring and deepening the unique local industries of Liugui, the cooperative adheres to the core philosophy of “local connection and sustainable development.”
With technical assistance provided by both the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency and the NPUST Department of Wood Science and Design, the cooperative successfully integrated diverse agri-forestry products and production stories into the exhibition—representative of a year’s worth of research and development. The cooperative’s core mission is to promote sustainable agri-forestry through collective efforts, balancing environmental respect with care for local livelihoods. Notably, they uphold the principle of “no harm to trees” when extracting essential oils and plant materials. By utilizing eco-friendly extraction techniques that do not damage primary timber, they demonstrate a sustainable model for under-forest economies and forest by-product industries.
FRAGRANCE INNOVATIONS
A highlight of the exhibition was the debut of the brand-new “Forest Sleep” fragrance series, featuring “Taiwan Shikuwasa Deep Sleep” and “Taiwan Hinoki Soothing Sleep” scents. Through these products, the creators have found an innovative way to showcase the unique flavors of local agricultural goods.
The cooperative aims to use these high-quality, story-driven products to introduce the natural ecology and cultural heritage of Liugui to a wider audience, bringing local mountain products into urban spaces. The initiative also highlights the close bonds between the forest, the community, and academic institutions, and the efforts being made to move toward a more resilient green economy.
