The Yunlin River, originating from Gukeng Township, stretches 17.52 kilometers and flows through the urban area of Douliu City. In the past, the river was plagued by the indiscriminate disposal of waste and the convergence of domestic wastewater, resulting in a foul smell that made it a nightmare for nearby residents. In recent years, through planning, improvement, and management efforts by the Water Resources Agency, MOEA, the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan, Yunlin County Government, and Douliu City Office, Yulin County, the Yunlin River has been transformed into a high-quality drainage environment that combines leisure, recreation, and green beautification functions.
Today (22nd), the Environmental Protection Bureau, Yunlin County held “A River’s Journey Through Time - Embracing a Sustainable Future Together,” a river cleaning event at the Douliu City Li Jian Management Center. Collaborating with the Fifth River Management Office, WRA, the Water Resources Department, Yunlin County Government, the Yunlin River Water Environment Patrol Team, the Zhennan Village. Environmental Protection Volunteer Team, and AGC Display Glass Taiwan Inc., the event aimed to maintain environmental cleanliness. A total of 12.7 kilograms of trash and 7.75 kilograms of recyclables were collected. Primary school teachers and students also joined the event and listened to volunteers recount the history of Yunlin River restoration. Through guided tours, explanations and river cleaning efforts, the concept of protecting the river and the environment was deeply rooted in the hearts of the students, while promoting good habits among the public. Together, they participated in cherishing water resources and protecting the environment.
The Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau stated that the Yunlin River's water environment has been transformed with its environment and ecological system restored over the years. In the future, in addition to regular inspections by the Water Environment Patrol Team, the river requires collective maintenance from the public. It is important to refrain from indiscriminate disposal of waste and to reduce waste generation at the source. The event also included environmental education volunteers who provided guided tours and introductions. It is hoped that through these tours, children will understand that a clean water environment is not easily achieved, and they will develop attitudes, knowledge, and skills for environmental protection from an early age, working towards the goal of sustainable development.
Director Qiao-wei Zhang stated that with comprehensive planning and improvement, the Yunlin River has now become a vibrant and lush water area. With the establishment of parks and trails, it provides a great recreational destination for nearby residents on weekends and holidays. Maintaining a high-quality living environment cannot rely solely on government agencies and volunteer teams to protect the environment. Environmental pollution can occur rapidly, and restoration to its original state is extremely difficult. Therefore, it is hoped that everyone will cherish water resources and a high-quality environment, as sustainable development requires the collective efforts of all.
