F.A.Q
Note: Please contact us at apgn2010@gmail.com if you have any questions not addressed here.
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About the Congress
What is the APGN?
The Asia Pacific Greens Network (APGN) is a federation of national Green parties, social and environmental organizations from countries across Asia and Oceania.The APGN is a member of the Global Greens and occupies three seats on the 12-member Global Greens Coordination (GCC) panel. For a list of full-members, associate members and friends of the APGN please visit the Network page.
What are the aims of Congress 2010?
Among the many practical and experiential aims of Congress 2010, we hope to:
- Forge a common concensus among attending Greens representatives and delegates, culminating in a group declaration, resolutions, elections, and a five year action plan for the APGN.
- Engage with and be challenged by like-minded Green activists and members of the network; to share knowledge, experiences and approaches in support of the Global Greens six core values.
- Link Taiwan’s NGO community and businesses in fostering green conferencing and lifestyle choices, while also promoting a better understanding of Taiwanese society, culture, and environmental profile.
Who's attending?
Among the attendees will be renowned Indian author and activist, Vandana Shiva, as well as the inspirational Australian Greens leader, Bob Brown. We are expecting about 150 overseas delegates and guests that will include regional Green leaders, activists and scholars also in attendance. Plans are for around 250 persons to join from Taiwan, primarily from our local Green Party and the social and environmental activist community, but also from academia, business and local and central government agencies.
Where is Congress 2010?
The venue selected by the Organising Committe for Congress 2010 is the Tien-Mou Convention Convention Center, located in the northern district of Shi-lin, Taipei. Please visit the Venue page for more details.
Will there be translation services available?
Yes, the Organizing Committee is endeavouring to provide interpreting services to meet the needs of all Congress attendees. You can help this process by indicating any special needs during the registration process.
How can I get involved?
The first round of volunteer training and recruitment begins in February! Please follow this link for more Chinese-language information. English-speaking volunteers are encouraged to get in contact with the Organising Committee via phone: +886-2-2392-0508, or email: apgn2010@gmail.com
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Practicalities for visitors
Will I need a visa?
Citizens of the following nations are eligible for a 30 day non-extendable visa-free entry into Taiwan: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K., and U.S.A. and Vatican City.
The Burea of Consular Affairs (MOFA) has more information on visa requirements and stipulations.
Citizens of countries not listed above are urged to approach their nearest Republic of China (Taiwan) consulate for up-to-date visa application information. Please follow this link to find your nearest diplomatic mission. Where citizens of certain countries require a sponsor to guarantee the application process, Green Party Taiwan and Taiwan Friend’s of the Global Greens will do our best to help. Please note that Taiwan’s foreign affairs ministry has indicated that travelers from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Somalia and Syria may be subject to this entry condition.
Getting to and from the airport?
Traveling time to/from downtown Taipei is between 45-60 minutes via bus or taxi. More information on transfering to the Tian-mu conference venue will be posted on this website as it comes to hand. For now, please just indicate on the registration form whether or not you require airport reception.
Transport costs?
Generally speaking, getting around Taipei is pretty cost efficient. The average fare on a Taipei bus is only NT$15. A trip on the red line from Taipei Main Station to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station nearest Tian-mu (Shi-pai) will cost you NT$22. Please follow this link for the latest fare and ticketing information. Taxi's flag fall is NT$70 - cheaper rates are available for those that book ahead. While biking can be a challenge, we will help those who want to rent bikes find the rental facilities near certain MRT stations. English and Japanese maps are widely available.
What about the language barrier?
Mandarin is the national language and most widely used in Taipei whereas two other dialects from China, Hakka and Hoklo are more common in places outside of the capital. A dozen more indigenous languages and even more dialects from China are spoken around the island by very small groups. Shopping and eating out is generally not a problem for non-Mandarin speakers. Menu items are often found in English and Chinese (Hanji). If not, it's a simple matter of just pointing at what you'd like to eat! And if you need to ask directions, people are friendly and an English speaker is often not far away.
If you are taking taxis it pays to have your destination address written down in Chinese (Hanji) as most drivers do not speak English. Negotiating the MRT system is relatively easy with ample signage at all stations. In any case, our volunteers will be on-hand at the venue if guests have any travel queries.
Weather in April - May?
Temperatures begin to rise in Taiwan around March, and by early May, the daily average is between 22-28 degrees celcius. Be sure to bring light and loose breathable clothing and at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes. Most of Taiwan's rain also falls from May to September, in intense but short-lived showers and thunderstorms. Visitors to Taiwan are encouraged to bring along some sort of rain-gear and perhaps be prepared to buy an umbrella.
