Over 100mm of Heavy Rain Hits Meinong; Near-Natural Riverbank Shows Engineering Resilience

A "near-natural" riverbank in Meinong, Taiwan, constructed using traditional stone stacking and interwoven vegetation, has demonstrated remarkable resilience against heavy rainfall. The structure, built during a "Near-Natural Stream Restoration Manual Construction Training Camp" held at the Shuangxi Tropical Arboretum, successfully withstood two significant rain events.

The training camp, organized by the Pingtung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, focused on practical training in stream restoration techniques. The "near-natural" riverbank, a key project component, was built using a combination of traditional stone stacking and layered planting. This approach aims to create structures that are in harmony with the environment while ensuring safety and ecological benefits.

During the training period, the area experienced intense rainfall, with one instance recording an hourly rate of 111.5 millimeters. Despite this severe weather, the riverbank remained structurally intact. The stones showed no displacement, and the coconut coir bags and vegetation layers were in good condition, validating the effectiveness and durability of the construction method.

This initiative is part of the agency's broader effort to promote "Nature-based Solutions" (NbS). The training camp successfully brought together government agencies, NGOs, experts, and the public, fostering a collaborative spirit for "working with nature." The Pingtung Branch emphasized that this training is just the beginning of sustainable management efforts.

Looking ahead, the agency plans to continue working with local partners for long-term maintenance. They also aim to guide local groups in adopting corporate ESG resources, environmental education, and a "1+3+N" public-private cooperation model. The goal is to establish a credible and internationally recognized platform for NbS, creating a virtuous cycle where nature conservation and local development mutually benefit each other, leading to resilient forests and streams.