Taiwan’s Yangmingshan National Park was certified as the world’s first Urban Quiet Park June 5 by Los Angeles-based Quiet Parks International in recognition of World Environment Day.
Located north of Taipei City, Yangmingshan National Park has attracted more than four million visitors per year since 2011. The natural area was designated a first-level noise control zone by the Cabinet-level Environment Protection Administration in 2009, limiting sound levels to no more than 55 decibels, with the latest statistics from Soundscape Association of Taiwan revealing the quietest areas reach only 30 decibels.
Yangmingshan National Park Administration said the certification shows the efforts being made to eliminate noise pollution in the country’s scenic areas are paying off. Visitors can now fully appreciate the sounds of the numerous species of birds, frogs and cicadas that call the park home, the administration added.
Established in 2019, QPI is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving quiet outdoor locations. It plans to announce a further 50 Urban Quiet Parks in the next decade including in London, New York, Portland and Stockholm. QPI certification is also awarded to trails, residences and communities, and wilderness and marine parks. (YCH-E)
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