This project could be divided as 3 major parts:(1)To select the proper environmental issues(2)To construct a web site forum for these issues(3) To hold a consensus conference. This is the first time to hold a environmental consensus conference in Taiwan. The purpose is to form a bottom up strategy for collecting opinions from the laypeople. For preparing the conference, to select proper issues and construct a web site forum is necessary for better warm-up and clear focus. At the beginning of this project, many issues are discussed, then, four of then were selected as the priorities on the web forum. After two months, the 4th issue concentrated more attentions from people who visited the web forum. Therefore, this issue titled “Should we increase the environmental fee/tax?” was selected to be the issue of the consensus conference. The consensus conference was held through 4 Sundays from Oct.17 to Nov.7. Thirteen laypeople were selected randomly to attend this conference. After 4 days education and discussion, they finally made a decision report about this issue. They agree to increase the environmental fee/tax but under two situations: 1. It is not for the national financial purpose. 2. It is used effectively, transparently and fairly. After this conference, there are more than 10 news reports related to this decision report. All are positive and affirmative. The consensus conference become a new model which not only to collect the information from laypeople but also a good reference for the government to make better decisions.

consensus conference, internet forum, bottom up strategy