Since 1987, when the “TECRO–AIT Water Resources Development Technical Assistance Agreement” was signed by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the two sides have maintained a long-term collaboration organized under Appendices 1–8. Among these, Appendix 6 and Appendix 8 are the most pivotal. Over more than three decades, cooperation has progressed from early-stage technical guidance to joint research and practical application, advancing dam safety, operations and maintenance, river restoration, sediment management, and sustainable water use.
Appendix 6 centers on dam engineering and related works. Current efforts emphasize integrated dam safety and seismic assessments, seepage monitoring and smart sensing, functional reviews and rehabilitation strategies for spillways and outlet works, and the adoption of numerical modeling and decision-support tools to enhance day-to-day operations. In 2025, under the updated scope of work, AIT-partnered experts will continue on-site consultations and technical exchanges in Taiwan, accelerating hands-on training and case-based implementation.
Appendix 8 focuses on river restoration and sediment management through a systems perspective that balances flood safety, sediment transport, and ecological integrity. Work includes watershed-scale planning, strategies for desiltation and sediment routing, channel stabilization with habitat considerations, environmental flow planning, and model development and validation. In 2025, demonstration sites and technical exchanges will proceed in parallel to refine workable, ecology-conscious solutions for sediment management and resilient river governance.
To extend this technical foundation, the Taiwan International Water Week sub-forum, themed “Smart Watersheds · AI Leading the Way,” will be held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, from October 29 to 31, 2025. Planned by the Water Resources Agency and organized by the Water Resources Planning Branch, the forum will spotlight applications of AI, big data, and the Internet of Things in water management—from monitoring and forecasting to decision-making—together with keynote talks, interactive discussions, technology showcases, and business matchmaking that connect Taiwan’s expertise with global partners.
Looking ahead, the combined momentum of Appendix 6 and Appendix 8, together with the international platform of Taiwan International Water Week, will continue to strengthen TECRO–AIT collaboration in water resources management and technological innovation, enhancing shared capacity to address the challenges of climate change with resilience and sustainability.