Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the Huaihe River to the sea waterway project in Jiangsu, emphasizing its role as a critical infrastructure that supports regional development and flood control efforts [1][4]. Group 1: Infrastructure Development - The Huaihe River to the sea waterway project features Asia's largest water interchange, which is a landmark in water conservancy engineering [4]. - The project utilizes an "upper channel and lower tunnel" design, ensuring that flood discharge and navigation on the Grand Canal do not interfere with each other [5]. - The first phase of the Huaihe River to the sea waterway was completed in June 2003, providing a crucial drainage route that had been absent for over 800 years [5]. Group 2: Flood Control and Benefits - The Huaihe River to the sea waterway has significantly improved flood control, with a design flood discharge capacity of 2,270 cubic meters per second [5]. - In July 2003, the project was activated to manage the largest flood since 1954, successfully discharging 4.38 billion cubic meters of floodwater and preventing the displacement of 300,000 people [5][6]. - The project has enhanced regional drainage standards over an area of 1,170 square kilometers, alleviating flooding issues for over a million residents [6]. Group 3: Ongoing Projects and Future Prospects - The second phase of the Huaihe River to the sea waterway is currently under construction, expanding the flood discharge capacity to 7,000 cubic meters per second [8]. - The second phase aims to improve the flood control standard from a 100-year to a 300-year event, reducing pressure on flood management in the middle reaches of the Huaihe River [8]. - The project is expected to be completed by 2028, further enhancing the region's infrastructure and flood management capabilities [8].

Core Insights - The event held in the Netherlands focused on how global canal cities can leverage their unique charm for development, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of canals in shaping civilizations [1][2] Group 1: Economic and Cultural Value of Canals - Canals provide not only transportation value but also encompass economic, political, military, ecological, cultural, and tourism benefits, serving as a medium for civilizational dialogue [2] - The cooperation among canal cities is supported by the World Canal Historical and Cultural Cities Organization (WCCO), which has gathered 214 member cities and institutions across six continents, facilitating over 50 collaborative projects in eight years [2][3] Group 2: Sustainable Development and Innovation - The current challenges faced by global canal cities include climate change and tourism transformation, with the village of Giethoorn in the Netherlands serving as a model for sustainable water resource management and low-carbon tourism [3] - The recent cultural cooperation memorandum signed between China and the Netherlands presents new opportunities for practical collaboration, particularly in the areas of intangible cultural heritage and cultural space regeneration [3] Group 3: Future Initiatives and Membership - The conference elected a new rotating chair for the 2026 World Canal Ancient Town Cooperation Mechanism, with Yulinzhuang in Tongzhou, Beijing, set to host the next meeting [3] - Two new members, Hengshui Lake Tourist Area in Hebei Province and Baquan Tourist Area in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, were accepted into the canal city boutique scenic area cooperation mechanism [3]