 Caogong Canal is not only the origin of three main rivers in Kaohsiung, including Hojin Creek, Love River, and Cianjhen River, but also the river that has nurtured Kaohsiung. The development and irrigation of Caogong Canal promoted the agricultural development of the Kaohsiung plain. Because of the downfall of agriculture and the rapid urbanization, the Caogong Canal has been forgotten gradually.
Furthermore, the pollution is getting serious. The research project conducted by team of students and faculty members from Dung-guang Elementary School allows us to understand the historical significance of Caogong Canal and its indispensable relationship with life in Kaohsiung. In recent years, the city of Kaohsiung has endeavored to renovate wetlands and ponds and has won great accomplishments. Nevertheless, the water supplement of Caogong Canal has great impact on the lower river course and the water quality of wetlands. Hence, the rebirth of Caogong Canal has become the mutual goal for Koahsiung City, Kaohsiung County and environmental protection groups.
“A Symphony of Water and Green-Rebirth of Caogong Canal and New Fragrant Waterfront Kaohsiung” was originally the research project of the gifted class at Dung-guang Elementary School for the International School Cyber Fair. In the process of the independent study, students began to care about the wetlands ecology and its various problems in their daily life. It is via their well-constructed information and beautifully designed website that have inspired more and more people to take into consideration of the urgent issue.
We have witnessed the passion pouring from teachers, parents, and students of Dung-kuang Elementary School, who tried to take their share in care of the homeland. The future vision of Caogong Canal illustrated by the students has touched many of us. This research project has inspired us to care for our homeland and launch our responsibility and sense of duty for our homeland, realizing the primary goal and core value of homeland education.
This research project features multi-faced aspects, including ecology, geography, landscape, and humanities, which won them Platinum Award at the International School Cyber Fair in 2007. In addition, it was produced and published into different versions in Chinese, English, and Japanese by Homeland Resource Center at Jeu-guang Elementary School in 2008. In addition to the resource for homeland education, it is a wonderful souvenir for honorable guests to increase international exchange and sharing.
We hope that the mindset of caring for homeland will continue to bloom via this hopeful seed. We wish that our inhabited industrial city will again play the “Symphony of Water and Green” and then turn over a new leaf of “A Fragrant Waterfront Ecological City.” |
