Kumamoto University-National Cheng Kung University Joint Seminar on Disaster Prevention and Environment Restoration Was Held
Kumamoto University (KU) successfully hosted a seminar on September 30, 2024, focused on disaster prevention and environmental restoration, in collaboration with the Disaster Prevention Research Center (DPRC) at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. In addition to existing partnerships in the semiconductor sector, this joint seminar marks the first significant exchange in disaster prevention since the signing of an inter-university cooperation agreement between the two institutions.The seminar featured a delegation of five representatives from NCKU, including the director of the DPRC. Researchers from KU were also present, including members from the Center for Water Cycle, Marine Environment and Disaster Management (CWMD) and the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology. In his opening remarks, Executive Vice President Jun Otani of KU emphasized the growing importance of international collaboration in disaster prevention and mitigation, particularly given the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters due to climate change and the geographical similarities between Taiwan and Japan. He stated, “Through this seminar, we aim to deepen our understanding and advance practical research collaborations.” Additional remarks were provided by Professor Ryuji Kakimoto, Director of CWMD, and Professor Hsiao-Wen Wang, Director of DPRC.
Throughout the seminar, researchers from both KU and NCKU presented findings and engaged in discussions on critical topics, including slope stability, landslide disasters, sediment management in river basins, nature-based solutions, disaster recovery in coastal areas, urban flooding, and evacuation planning. They underscored the importance of sharing the latest research findings and fostering meaningful dialogue, which can lead to new insights and collaborative opportunities.
Following the seminar, a field visit was conducted on October 1 to the Shirakawa River basin, where participants explored the environmental restoration site at Shirakawa Riverside Park, as well as the Tateno Dam and the Matoishikawa 1 Sabo Dam, providing a firsthand look at the practical applications of their research.
This seminar marks a significant advancement in enhancing research collaboration between KU and NCKU in the fields of disaster prevention and environmental restoration. The partnership is expected to yield further progress and joint efforts in addressing pressing global challenges related to climate change and disaster resilience.
Opening Remarks by Executive Vice President Otani
Welcome Address by Professor Kakimoto, Director of CWMD
Greetings from Professor Wang, Director of DPRC
Demonstration on Urban Flood Mechanisms and Countermeasures
Field visit to the Tateno Dam
Field Visit to the Matoishikawa 1 Sabo Dam
Group Photo