Environmental Monitoring for Water Heritage: Innovations and Challenges for the Grand Canal of Suzhou, China

The Grand Canal in China is a regional waterway infrastructure serving multiple functions, including transportation and water regulation, and historically, it has supported economic growth and urbanization along its route. Within China's unique decentralized environmental management system, the multifaceted value of the Grand Canal presents distinct challenges, including inter-regional and inter-departmental challenges. This article examines the latest water management initiatives along the Suzhou section of the Grand Canal and explores the role of environmental monitoring in protecting this UNESCO World Heritage property. The experimental integration of water-surface-aerial heritage monitoring with the Joint Meeting System in Suzhou provides a nuanced perspective on the interplay between technology and sustainable development.