In a landmark exchange, the Engineering with Nature (EWN) Program, with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pacific Ocean Division (POD), recently embarked on a four-day technical exchange with the Taiwan Water Resources Agency (TWRA). The purpose of the exchange was to share expertise and experiences in designing natural- and nature-based features (NNBF) for floodplain and coastal areas.
During the exchange, which took place from the 27th to the 30th of March 2023, both teams engaged in fruitful discussions, presentations, and site visits to various locations across Taiwan. The first day kicked off with an Engineering with Nature technical workshop, drawing a crowd of over 150 participants. Esteemed guest speakers Drs. Burton Suedel and Amanda Tritinger shared their insights on “Unlocking the Potential of Partnering with Nature” and “EWN Design and Implementation-Guidelines on Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Management,” respectively.
The second day the participants visited the Yu Liao water environment site to observe firsthand the challenges faced by Taiwan’s floodplains.
The third day was marked by eye-opening site visits to the Waisanding sand bar and the Guishe detention pond. These visits provided an opportunity for both teams to witness the implementation and effectiveness of nature-based engineering solutions in action. The exchange fostered a rich exchange of ideas and best practices, with experts from both sides sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Throughout the technical exchange, a sense of collaboration and synergy permeated the discussions. In an executive meeting held during the visit, TWRA and USACE leaders explored the possibility of drafting a bilateral engagement strategy to further strengthen their partnership. This strategic alliance aims to leverage the collective expertise of both organizations in order to design innovative NNBF solutions tailored to Taiwan’s unique hydrodynamic needs.
The insights gleaned from the exchange will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of natural and nature-based features, not only in Taiwan but also globally. By harnessing the power of nature, we can build resilient communities and protect critical infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.
