The Yellow River Basin, a cornerstone for China’s grain production and energy supply, has witnessed significant improvements in water quality. This progress is pivotal for ensuring both food and energy security as China continues its path toward national rejuvenation.
According to Xia Lu, an associate professor at the School of Party History and Party Building and a research fellow at the National Academy of Development and Strategies, Through comprehensive management of industrial pollution sources, agricultural diffuse pollution, and domestic pollution, the water quality in the Yellow River Basin has undergone notable improvement.
These remarks came during a recent meeting held by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, where the focus was on promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development in the basin. Xia highlighted that implementing effective measures for recycling and water-saving retrofitting in urban and industrial areas has markedly enhanced water resource utilization efficiency.
Traditional industrial bases within the basin are transforming by phasing out high-energy-consuming and high-pollution industries like coal and chemicals. In their place, green energy and environmental protection industries are being fostered, aligning with sustainable development goals.
The meeting emphasized the importance of a well-coordinated approach to ecological conservation across the Yellow River Basin. This includes improving water source conservation in the upper reaches, strengthening water and soil conservation in the middle reaches, and promoting wetland protection and ecological governance in the lower reaches.
Xia concluded, By adhering to ecological priority, promoting green and sustainable development, and strengthening cross-regional coordination, the protection of the Yellow River Basin can be seamlessly integrated with the regional coordinated development strategy.
The Yellow River, often referred to as the \"mother river\" of the Chinese nation, spans 5,464 kilometers and supports over 50 cities, providing water to 12% of China's population and irrigating 17% of the country’s arable land. For over 3,000 years, the basin has been the cradle of China’s political, economic, and cultural development, making its conservation a top priority.
Reference(s):
Expert: Water quality in Yellow River Basin has improved significantly
cgtn.com
