dc.description.abstract | Due to the El Nino effects over the past few years, the global weather and climate patterns have been altered drastically with a result of increasing uncertainties in hydrology. Consequently the concepts of “sustainable development” are brought up in different countries. The essences of the concepts are to utilize efficiently environmental resources without spoliation of the balance in ecological system. This can be achieved by enhancing the capabilities of the ecological system through technological and humane means. As a result, the needs for the people at present can be satisfied and the future needs for the next generations can be guaranteed as well.
Although precipitation reaches high, Taiwan is occasionally suffering from flood and drought due to uneven temporal and spatial precipitation distribution. The problem is becoming worse with the followings: more popular awakening in environmental protection, less sites for quality reservoirs, and more difficulties in construction of large dams. It turns into an important issue at present that how to allocate and economize water resources and thus conserve the existing reservoirs for sustainable development.
The research refers to the sustainable indicator framework named D-S-R (Driving force-State-Response) framework that developed by the United Nations(UN)to establish the system of the Shihmen Reservoir and rivers in the catchment area. The indexes of the framework follow the long-time water quality monitoring, reservoir operation, and four aerial surveys in the reservoir. Then the following indexes are screened: catchment water resources (for water quality and quantity), the soil environment of the forest, and the development degree and ecology. After the assessment for the sustainability, the current spatial utilization distribution over the reservoir can be understood . Furthermore, the Shihmen reservoir current situation, land use over the catchment area, allocation of water demand, and management of water quality can be grasped and controlled. The reservoir administration can rely on the research results for decision-making of reservoir development, water conservancy, and water quality management. Therefore, sustainable development of the reservoir can be reached.
With integrated assessments in the Shihmen Reservoir, it can be shown: water utilization performs well; water quality has been improved in spite of eutrophication; sediment control and debris removal are to be reinforced; management should continue for the development over the catchment area; ecological conservancy needs more efforts although forest conservancy has marked effects. | en_US |