Located in southern Taiwan, a region often facing water scarcity, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is deeply committed to fostering water conservation awareness across its campus and beyond. Recognizing its social responsibility, the university integrates water resource education into its core mission through a multifaceted approach.
Campus-wide, prominent "conserve water" signs are displayed in all relevant areas. Additionally, explanatory signboards next to rainwater harvesting systems serve as educational tools, illustrating the principles of water recycling.
Academically, NCKU incorporates water issues directly into its curriculum. The mandatory freshman course "Tainan Getaway" features routes like "The Water World of Southern Taiwan," where students visit the Wushantou Reservoir to learn about its history and the complex relationship between water resources, ecology, and aquaculture. Furthermore, the annual "Global Water Resource Governance Talent Camp," now in its ninth year, convenes young leaders to discuss water challenges with experts and government officials, fostering an international perspective on water management.
Practical learning is emphasized through site visits to the Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory, where students gain firsthand insight into hydraulic engineering and disaster prevention.
A prime example of integrating education with practice is the 2024 Cheng Kung Lake dredging project. This initiative was more than a cleanup; it was a living classroom. The project involved interdisciplinary collaboration, with environmental engineering students monitoring water quality and life sciences students managing the ecosystem. This hands-on project transformed a campus infrastructure upgrade into a powerful lesson on sustainable water resource management, demonstrating NCKU’s dedication to embedding sustainability into every aspect of campus life.
Campus-wide, prominent "conserve water" signs are displayed in all relevant areas. Additionally, explanatory signboards next to rainwater harvesting systems serve as educational tools, illustrating the principles of water recycling.
Academically, NCKU incorporates water issues directly into its curriculum. The mandatory freshman course "Tainan Getaway" features routes like "The Water World of Southern Taiwan," where students visit the Wushantou Reservoir to learn about its history and the complex relationship between water resources, ecology, and aquaculture. Furthermore, the annual "Global Water Resource Governance Talent Camp," now in its ninth year, convenes young leaders to discuss water challenges with experts and government officials, fostering an international perspective on water management.
Practical learning is emphasized through site visits to the Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory, where students gain firsthand insight into hydraulic engineering and disaster prevention.
A prime example of integrating education with practice is the 2024 Cheng Kung Lake dredging project. This initiative was more than a cleanup; it was a living classroom. The project involved interdisciplinary collaboration, with environmental engineering students monitoring water quality and life sciences students managing the ecosystem. This hands-on project transformed a campus infrastructure upgrade into a powerful lesson on sustainable water resource management, demonstrating NCKU’s dedication to embedding sustainability into every aspect of campus life.
