October 13, 2014
No. 223
The Republic of China (Taiwan) officially became a member of the Delta Alliance International foundation under the name Taiwan Wing on September 23, 2014, after an agreement was signed between Academia Sinica President Wong Chi-huey and Delta Alliance International Chairperson Tineke Huizinga-Heringa. The move will help Taiwan improve its climate change responses and flood prevention measures, raising them to international standards.
Academia Sinica will coordinate government agencies overseeing Taiwan’s four major river delta regions (Taipei, Zhuoshui River, Pingtung, and Lanyang), as well as related academic institutions, to address sustainability issues. These include natural disaster impact reduction, disaster recovery, food security, climate change-induced health and infectious disease risks to the elderly, and related scientific issues. Currently, National Ilan University, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, and Tunghai University have joined such projects.
Through the foundation’s network, Taiwan’s top research institutes will be able to share knowledge and experience regarding the management of delta regions with other members around the world, and promote cooperative projects with them, as well as with other important environmental organizations.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, the nongovernmental organization Delta Alliance International was established to strengthen the adaptability and recoverability of the world's deltas, reduce losses from natural disasters, and promote sustainable development. The research network currently comprises 14 members from major delta areas worldwide. (E)