The COA continued to implement the Watershed Protection and Disaster Prevention in an effort to lessen the risk of debris flow and maintain public safety on slope land. The COA implemented a total of 1,284 relevant projects in 2003, including 791 stream sand control projects, 234 landslide mitigation projects, 46 environmental conservation projects, 137 project maintenance and emergency disaster mitigation projects, and 76 watershed survey, planning, and research projects. Ecologically-friendly working methods were used in these projects as much as possible. The COA also established six ecologically-friendly working method demonstration projects in watershed areas and created a debris flow remediation teaching park; it is hoped that the sharing of technical knowledge will improve disaster control standards.

After the 921 earthquake extensively loosened the soil structure throughout Central Taiwan, many landslides and debris flow incidents have occurred after rains. To lessen the extent of harm, the COA has been implementing the revegetation and reforestation of affected areas. This work takes into consideration landforms and other environmental factors, and involves reforestation, disaster mitigation, ecological conservation, and landscape beautification. Apart from the planting of trees and shrubs, piles, fences, and spray planting method are being used to stabilize hillsides and prevent the expansion of denuded areas. The COA performed 220 projects involving the revegetation of landslide scars, exposed mudstone, and construction sites in 2003; a total of 212 hectares were planted and restored.

The COA has used watershed area improvement methods to reduce the probability of landslides and debris flow. The total of 1,297 such projects implemented in 2003 provided 316,000 man-days of employment to local people. To increase public consciousness of the danger of debris flow, the COA laid out debris flow evacuation routes and held drills. Evacuation routes were designated at 158 locations and drills held at 117 places during the period from 2001 to 2003. The COA established ten debris flow observation and demonstration stations, and determined baselines levels for debris flow alerts. The use of debris flow response systems to transmit alert information sped up the transmission of information, enhancing citizens' safety and response capabilities.

The COA applied remote sensing technology to mountain management work, particularly to the rapid detection of changes in the utilization of mountainside land. The discovery of 1,200 change points in 2003 led to the inspection and interdiction of illicit use in 1,128 cases involving an area of 434 hectares. The COA stepped up the review and supervision of non-agricultural mountain slope development water/soil conservation plans: The 1,792 non-agricultural mountain slope development water/soil conservation plans approved in 2003 involved an area of 2,513 hectares. The COA issued a mountain slope management handbook to mountain management personnel in an effort to improve working efficiency.