The Chinese government is preparing to launch a cohesive ecological compensation mechanism for the Yangtze and Yellow rivers by the year 2027, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Finance. This initiative is part of a more extensive strategy to improve water management and will eventually extend to the main tributaries of both rivers by 2035.
The proposed system will incorporate a variety of compensation strategies, adaptable methods, refined standards, and a well-established operational framework. Central fiscal authorities in China will take on a key role in coordinating and guiding the implementation of this mechanism, ensuring that compensation metrics and funding levels are aligned with the current ecological conservation needs, while also being financially manageable for local governments.
China initially unveiled its plans for compensation mechanisms related to the Yangtze and Yellow rivers in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Since then, significant strides have been made in ecological restoration efforts for these water bodies. Notably, after a 10-year fishing ban began in 2020, the Yangtze River basin has experienced a resurgence in aquatic biodiversity, with reports of 344 native fish species identified from 2021 to 2024—an increase of 36 species compared to the period before the initiative.
Additionally, the Yellow River has shown steady improvements in ecological conditions, contributing to better water security and environmental quality for the region.
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