1. This project adhered to the ecological guidelines set by the Irrigation Agency, implementing thorough ecological data collection, public participation, and conservation strategies during the approval and planning stages. Prior to approval, multiple ecological reviews and environmentally friendly briefings were conducted at various stages, including review, design, pre-construction, construction, and post-construction. Ecological experts, non-governmental organizations, local farmers, and government agencies were invited for joint inspections and discussions. Based on the feedback and concerns of all stakeholders, the project content was continually reviewed and adjusted to achieve a balanced design that addressed canal irrigation and drainage, farmland protection, natural ecology, and habitat conservation. The project’s goal was not only to enhance the original irrigation and drainage functions of the canals but also to create an environmental corridor that supports aquatic life habitats and biological passage, contributing to sustainable agricultural and ecological development.
2. During the construction period, ecological conservation measures such as avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and compensation were fully implemented. This included avoiding bird habitats near Guandu Nature Park, protecting existing trees within the construction area by wrapping trunks with straw mats, using rockery revetments to create a porous environment for the growth of riparian plants and small fish, and setting up friendly passages and PVC pipes to provide crossings and shelters for aquatic organisms and fish.
3. Given the extremely short construction window, the project was divided into two phases for planning and implementation. Upon completion of the first phase, experts were immediately invited to conduct ecological surveys, and a post-completion review meeting was held with scholars and experts involved in the project to discuss and provide suggestions for continuous improvement in the second phase.
4. The original irrigation canal embankment had a weak foundation and was prone to collapse during dredging and excavation, complicating management. This improvement project, with the left side adjacent to Guandu Nature Park, adopted an innovative construction method to minimize environmental impact. Without excavation, large-diameter stones were compacted to form the foundation, followed by a masonry slope to create a bio-friendly passage. On the right side, adjacent to paddy fields, masonry revetments without gap filling were used to create porous structures and protect the embankment, with bio-friendly slopes incorporated where appropriate. This project not only strengthened flood discharge sections and stabilized the canal banks but also reduced concrete use and soil excavation, contributing to energy conservation and carbon reduction. It also provided space for aquatic and riparian vegetation to grow, creating hiding and breeding areas for small fish. By balancing the needs of farmland protection, irrigation and drainage, natural ecology, and habitat conservation, the project achieved a win-win situation. Future plans include integrating the canal with the nature park’s environmental education programs, promoting the sustainable development of wetland, canal, and farmland systems as a whole.
5. The construction period was short and posed significant challenges. Work could only take place between the second rice harvest and the next spring plowing. During this period, the project also faced adverse factors such as the Chinese New Year holidays, winter rainfall in the north, upstream drainage, and downstream tidal backflow, making it extremely challenging. As soon as the contract was awarded, contractors were urged to prepare steel plates for temporary roads to prevent machinery from directly compressing farmland, which could make spring plowing difficult due to muddy fields after completion. Materials and machinery needed for the construction were prepared in advance to avoid delays caused by insufficient supplies. Construction sequences and workflows were carefully planned to ensure each worker could perform their tasks without interference from other operations. Pumping equipment and perimeter drainage facilities were set up to prevent upstream drainage and downstream tidal backflow from flooding the work area and impacting construction progress. Active communication with contractors was maintained throughout all stages to monitor progress, avoid delays, and ensure the project was completed on time and with quality by deploying additional manpower and machinery as needed.
6. The brick sluice gate replicated the early red brick gates of the Guandu Plain, showcasing the functions of agricultural irrigation and drainage. It can be operated by farmers for irrigation purposes.
7. Comprehensive Management and Maintenance: Before and after construction, ecological surveys were conducted, and meetings with experts and NGOs were held to provide suggestions for continued monitoring and maintenance post-completion. This approach ensures the sustainability of the canal's ecological environment and allows for thorough management and maintenance through ongoing ecological monitoring.

1. Implementation of a Three-Tier Quality Management System: Each entity involved—organizers, supervisors, and construction contractors—diligently performed their respective duties. Safety and health education and training were reinforced, along with safe construction practices. As a result, no workplace accidents occurred throughout the project. Both quality control and progress management were excellent, with no public oversight reports filed.
2. In accordance with the ecological review guidelines of the Agriculture and Water Agency, the project comprehensively implemented ecological data collection, public participation, and the establishment of conservation principles and strategies during the approval and planning stages. Before project approval, multiple ecological reviews and environmentally friendly briefings were conducted, covering stages such as review, design, pre-construction, construction, and post-construction. Ecological experts, NGOs, local farmers, and public sector representatives were invited for joint inspections and discussions. During this period, the project content was continuously reviewed and adjusted based on the opinions and considerations of all parties to find mutually beneficial design solutions.
3. The project aimed to create an irrigation canal environment that connects with adjacent wetlands and paddy fields, addressing issues such as embankment erosion, farmland loss, and waterway blockages. The result is a multifunctional irrigation canal environment that integrates with the environmental education areas of the nature park, merging systems such as wetlands, irrigation canals, and farmlands for sustainable development. The project achieved the dual benefits of disaster prevention (preventing embankment collapse, farmland loss, and waterway blockages) and ecological enhancement (creating diverse habitat environments).
4. A range of ecological conservation measures were implemented, including avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and compensation. Efforts were made to avoid bird habitats near Guandu Nature Park, protect existing trees within the construction area by wrapping their trunks with straw mats, and create porous environments using masonry revetments to support riparian plant growth and utilization by small fish. Additionally, friendly passages and PVC pipes were installed to facilitate crossings and provide shelters for aquatic organisms and fish.
5. Before and after construction, surveys of aquatic biological resources were conducted to assess the project's ecological impact. The results were encouraging, showing positive responses from various species. For instance, by shortening the construction period, we completed work before the spring fish spawning season, minimizing disruption to carp migration and breeding behaviors. The project preserved original riparian vegetation, riverbed composition, slow-flowing areas, and water systems. The eco-friendly masonry with gentle slopes and porous structures allowed native aquatic plants to quickly recolonize the area, attracting aquatic insects like dragonflies and water striders, while also providing feeding and shelter areas for various fish species, such as crucian carp and cichlids. For scientific evaluations to yield effective results, it is necessary to develop stable biological populations, which take time. Therefore, monitoring and surveying will continue in the second phase of the project. Given the importance of this irrigation canal as an ecological corridor for migratory aquatic organisms, the outcomes of this project will provide crucial information for future irrigation canal maintenance, conservation strategies, and environmental education efforts.
6. After completion, straw mats were laid on the left bank's topsoil to prevent soil moisture loss and support the growth of surrounding trees. These mats also preserved gaps for various herbaceous plants to grow, aiding in the restoration of riparian habitats.
7. On February 17, 2023, the project received an "A" grade from the supervision team of the Irrigation Agency of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan.

Navigation Instructions
Set your GPS to the following coordinates: 25.119871, 121.485631.

From Beitou, turn onto Section 1, Dadu Road.
Turn into Lane 257, Zhongyang North Road to reach the pedestrian entrance.
From there, walk along the inspection path of the irrigation channel to reach your destination.