I recall that at the end of March or the beginning of April of this year, I received my training course for principal candidates at Dong-Guang Elementary School. On entering the school, I saw colorful congratulatory posters and trophies. One of the trophies displayed was Platinum Award at the International Cyber Fair 2007, honoring the website produced by the gifted and talented sixthgraders. Gifted and Talented Class. The theme of the website is Caogong Canal, the mother river that nurtures the Kaohsiung Plain. It is indeed my privilege to offer my words for the website.

Over 170 years, the canal has nurtured the land and lives. Having fun by the canal used to be our shared childhood memory. Industrial development and pollution, however transformed the canal completely. The canal lost its beauty and its functions, and then it became ill and was forgotten. The production team researched on and documented the history of the canal diligently, presenting Caogong Canal the blue vein vividly for all of us. It is expected that with their efforts and hard work, the awareness of ecological protection for the mother river will be raised. As a consequence, Kaohsiung will become a garden city with clean rivers and a healthy city that offers happiness and sustainability.

I appreciate the faculty and students at Dong Guang Elementary School for their strong passion and sense of responsibility for the land. My appreciation also extends to Ms. Wu Hueyju, Principal of Kaohsiung Oil Refinery Primary School, and the teachers at the Resource Center for Local Studies and Education at Chu Kuang Primary School, including Lin Bofang, Chung Yili, and Ma Lishu for their help in editing and producing the website behind the scene. It is the dedication of all the team members that have familiarized the citizens with the canal and greenery of Kaohsiung. Through the released DVDs and local education materials, the public will be inspired to take the responsibility for the nature and to protect it. With our collective efforts, Kaohsiung will become a comfortable living space with sustainable ecological environment.

By reviving Caogong Canal and protecting the ecological environment, people from local and afar will know Kaohsiung as a colorful and flourishing place for it is a city with stunning greenery. If you have a chance to visit Kaohsiung, travel along the blue veins, and discovered local stories and cultures, you will enjoy a pleasant and fascinating journey.