A Scholar Destined for Edible Landscapes
Professor Shenglin Elijah Chang embarked on a journey to the United States in 1991. She obtained her second master's degree from the Department of Landscape Architecture at Cornell and later a PhD from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at UC Berkeley. After years of teaching at the University of Maryland, she returned to Taiwan in 2009. Having spent approximately two decades in the United States, Shenglin noticed a significant difference upon her return to Taiwan. Unlike other developed cities, urban residents in Taiwan rarely engaged in growing vegetables in their neighborhood parks or community spaces. Shenglin realized that the prevailing urban design policies often viewed farming as a sign of retrogression. At the same time, she observed the strong desire of Taiwanese urban dwellers who wished to cultivate vegetables in available neighborhood spaces.
In response, Shenglin initiated her advocacy efforts and connected with other like-minded urban farming enthusiasts from various backgrounds. Together, they spontaneously established the "FUN" (Farming Urbanism Network) at the grassroots level, pioneering the promotion of urban farming in Taiwan. Over the past decade, these advocates have proactively promoted urban farming in various cities, collaborating with the Taiwan New Ruralism Association (台灣新鄉村協會) and a network of local community colleges. Their work has driven significant changes in various places, including Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taichung City, and Kaohsiung City.
Professor Chang pointed out that edible landscapes are intricately linked to contemporary environmental sustainability issues, which are becoming increasingly urgent. She explained, " With most of the population concentrated in cities, many individuals lack the experience of rural life and, consequently have limited understanding of the food production process. When people are disconnected from their food sources, they tend to disregard the farming environments where their food originates." To Professor Chang, edible landscapes offer a way to reconnect people with their food. Only when individuals comprehend the food’s journey -- from where it was grown to how it was transformed into a meal-- will they begin to prioritize environmental sustainability.
Changing the World with "Humble Pride and Silent Radicalism"
Professor’s Chang’s journey of advocating and practicing the unity of knowledge and action began with her attention to social movements during her first master's studies at NTU, coinciding with the lifting of martial law. In the 2010s, she returned to Taiwan to champion urban farming. In 2012, she became a tea farmer in Pinglin, a rural district of New Taipei City, where she cultivated and processed tea. In this role, she bridged the gap between researchers and local farmers, exploring the impact of various farming methods on environmental sustainability.
Shenglin noted that the world is in a constant stage of change. What remains unchanged is humanity’s tendency to squander the environment and its resources, leaving the negative consequences to future generations to address. The question of how to preserve the land and its abundant resources for future generations is a challenge that everyone in our time must confront if they seek to create a better future.
In conclusion, Professor Chang firmly believes that if urban residents have the opportunity to farm, engage with the soil, and harvest their own food, it can spark their curiosity and make them reflect on their relationship with the environment where their food is grown. Even a small taste of homegrown food can serve as a catalyst, inspiring individuals to become more environmentally conscious. Shenglin contends that profound changes often manifest subtly on the surface. Hence, advocates must possess "humble pride and silent radicalism." To her, successful advocacy hinges on humility and the inclusion of diverse perspectives. Simultaneously, advocates aspiring to drive meaningful, transformative change must work diligently in silence and allow their successes to speak for themselves.