Areas along Taiwan’s waterways are becoming vibrant public spaces thanks to the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program.
Once considered a no-go area among local residents, Bamboo Creek in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City is now a community hub and source of pride for those responsible for its transformation. “The extent to which the water quality and overall environment has improved is incredible, with kids’ playgrounds, sports facilities and walking paths,” said Han Rong-hwa (韓榮華), director-general of Tainan City Government’s Water Resources Bureau. “Birds, fish, turtles and other wildlife are all returning.”
Over the years, industrialization, urbanization and massive population growth caused pollution of many waterways, as was the case with Bamboo Creek. But with a determination to restore rivers and streams to their former glory, Taiwan’s central and local governments have taken aggressive action.
A perfect example of this is the four-year Bamboo Creek revitalization project implemented under funding from the central government’s Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program (FIDP). The comprehensive plan, which includes aquatic environments, is aimed at addressing Taiwan’s key infrastructure needs over the next 30 years and ensuring future generations enjoy greater prosperity.
In addition to improved water quality, Yuejin Harbor in Tainan’s Yanshuei District is now easily and safely accessible through newly installed bridges, pedestrian thoroughfares and viewing platforms. (Photo courtesy of TCG)
For the People
Establishing publicly accessible and ecologically friendly waterways is one of the major goals of the FIDP, with 420 hectares of waterfront spaces spanning beaches, lakes and rivers scheduled to be rejuvenated under the plan.
As a coastal city blessed with ample water resources, Tainan is one of the main beneficiaries of the project. Its canals, harbors, lagoons, ponds, rivers and wetlands are closely linked to the region’s physical and cultural development, providing an extra incentive to restore polluted and forgotten waterways.
According to Han, the special budget allocated under the FIDP has played a key role in the revitalization of Tainan’s historic waterways including Bamboo Creek, Yuejin Harbor and Tainan Canal. Factors such as ecology, flood prevention, community development, local culture and history, as well as green infrastructure techniques and sustainable materials are taken into account when planning a project.
Like Bamboo Creek, the revitalized Yuejin Harbor in Tainan’s Yanshuei District has made remarkable strides in improving public access and water quality, but it has also honed the visitor experience. Improvements in this regard include new bridges, parks, pedestrian pathways and viewing platforms that provide the public with safe spaces to enjoy all the harbor has to offer.
The changes have transformed Yuejin from a sterile industrial zone to a popular scenic area for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a peaceful walk, while it remains an important ecosystem for various animals. Bird watchers especially have something to cheer, as protected species like crested goshawks and pheasant-tailed jacanas are frequently spotted nearby.
As for Tainan Canal, the installation of art pieces and decorative lighting fixtures has proven a hit with those seeking the perfect shot for social media. Plus, guided boat tours are available for visitors to learn more about the area while taking in the cityscape.
“Restoring urban watercourses helps tackle flooding and secure water supplies while improving the environment for local flora and fauna,” Han said. “But just as importantly, these spaces allow people to reconnect with nature and enjoy outdoor recreational activities once more.”
The first and second phases of the Annong River regeneration project in northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County include construction of a golf course, docks, pavilions, restrooms, seating areas and traffic-free routes for cycling and walking. (Photos courtesy of Yilan County Government)
Way of Life
Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan is another part of the country known for its abundance of water resources ranging from hot springs to wetlands. It has a steady supply of clean water with lower levels of pollution than Tainan due to less industrial activity.
“Water shapes the lives of Yilan’s inhabitants and has even become a tourist attraction for the county,” said Chung Ming-ta (鐘明達), a section chief in the Business and Tourism Department under Yilan County Government (YCG). “Crystal clear streams running down from the mountains are perfect for spa treatments and water sports, while the coastline offers surfing and whale watching.”
The most famous of Yilan’s waterways is the Dongshan River. One of its riverside water parks in Wujie Township is the venue of the well-known International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival, which offers visitors an eclectic mix of art performances, exhibitions, water activities and workshops. Another such park in Yilan City features a multipurpose recreation area that frequently hosts festive celebrations, music events and sports.
Given the critical role of water in the lives of Yilan’s people, YCG has made improving aquatic environments and flood control two of its top priorities. With funding from the FIDP, several large-scale upgrade plans have been launched.
One example is the Annong River regeneration project in Sanxing Township. The implementation of its first and second phases from 2017 to 2020 saw the construction of a golf course, docks, pavilions, restrooms, seating areas and traffic-free routes for cycling and walking, together with planting tracts of lush vegetation.
According to Chung, concrete embankments were once the primary method of flood prevention, but this came at the cost of destroying much of the river’s natural ecosystem. The new development favors the eco-engineering approach, which involves shaping the riverbank and covering it with a blanket of graded rock to slow erosion; this riprap also serves as a natural habitat for aquatic plants and animals.
The Dongshan River is a top destination for water sports, while its riverside park in Yilan’s Wujie Township plays host to the International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival. (Photo courtesy of YCG)
“Such projects have broadened from focusing solely on flood control to ecological sustainability and connecting with the people,” Chung said. “The ultimate goal is to achieve harmony between the environment and its inhabitants.”
As part of improving Yilan’s waterways, YCG has worked closely with local residents, township offices and nongovernmental organizations (NGO), whose ideas have been shared with architectural firms in order to formulate designs that benefit the different needs of the community.
In addition to ecological surveys, the planning process involves public hearings for people to air any concerns, as well as discussions with NGOs on how to ensure proposals stick to sustainable development principles. Community involvement is encouraged every step of the way, including in maintaining facilities once construction has finished. For example, the golf course by the Annong River is operated and managed by a community group.
Former Splendor
Recent years have seen a consensus emerge between the government and NGOs that the natural environments and ecosystems surrounding riverbanks must be protected. Yunlin River Culture Cluster Alliance (YRCCA) based in the western county is among the NGOs playing an active role in safeguarding waterways while monitoring government performance and promoting related education.
According to YRCCA’s CEO Huang Li-ting (黃莉婷), decades of industrial development had transformed the Yunlin River into a barely recognizable concrete-encased drainage ditch. Many historic buildings and trees were also removed in the name of progress.
“People no longer had any desire to go near the river because the environment was bad and access was often blocked anyway,” Huang said. The changes created problems with drainage, flooding, waste management and a lack of quality open spaces, she added.
Yunlin River Culture Cluster Alliance based in the western Taiwan county holds regular events including field trips, public forums, river cleanups and painting workshops to raise public awareness regarding water-related issues. (Photos courtesy of Yunlin River Culture Cluster Alliance)
These issues are now being addressed as part of the ongoing Yunlin River revitalization project under the FIDP, and YRCCA is working closely with local government officials to ensure its success. “The biggest advantage of the FIDP is that it calls for citizen engagement in policymaking and the design of public infrastructure,” Huang said. “We can finally make our voices heard.”
Currently in its third phase, the major tasks in the Yunlin project include removing concrete structures and improving water quality through sewage interception and wastewater treatment, as well as growing plants native to the area along the riverbank.
YRCCA has also hosted a wide variety of activities including exhibitions, field trips, public forums, river cleanups, seminars and workshops to raise public awareness of issues regarding Taiwan’s water resources. “People of all ages attend our events, including nonagenarians sharing childhood memories of playing in the river,” Huang said. “It’s really inspiring to imagine the river once again becoming a focal point of community activity.”
As waterways up and down the country find a new lease on life under the FIDP, Huang is certain that Taiwan’s future generations will be able to enjoy cleaner, greener aquatic environments as a part of their daily lives. “Climate change demands that we build more resilient ecosystems, economies and societies,” she said. “With backing from government resources and an enthusiastic public willing to meet the challenge, the country’s lakes, rivers and oceans can be at the forefront of those efforts.”
Write to Kelly Her at kher@mofa.gov.tw