"风沙锁住了,水变好了,野物也回来了。咱们这'口袋村',算是真正扎下了根。"8月初的清晨,东明县焦园 乡黎明新村党委书记叶秋合的感慨,道出了这座黄河入鲁第一村的变迁。东明是万里黄河由豫入鲁第一 站,清水黄河自此流入山东,开始628公里的"奔海之旅"。 记者 李殷婷 东明报道 今年,东明县对岸的河南长垣正建设黄河生态护岸24.8公里,恢复水生植被13.96公顷。 叶秋合弯腰抓起一把脚下的土,土质松软,不再是过去那种干涩的沙土。"变化是实实在在的。"叶秋合边 走边说,"从哪年开始记不清了,但风沙一年比一年小是真的。关键还是这黄河水。" 顺着林子往下看去,水虽然依旧带着黄河特有的土黄色调,但明显清澈了许多,不再是记忆中那令人望而生 畏的"泥浆水"。 黄河入鲁第一村的"变" "那时候滩涂光秃秃的,起风就漫天黄沙,黄河水浑得像泥浆,哪敢想现在能靠着这水过日子呢。"叶秋合一 边扛着锄头在前面走,一边跟记者说。 黎明新村是由辛庄、王夹堤、南兰通3个村组成的村台新村,叶秋合以前所在的辛庄村,便是"黄河入鲁第 一村"。 "'鸡叫听三县,炮响两省间',说的就是俺这儿。"说话间,叶秋合往黄河方向指了指,"以前这里就一条小路进 村, ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent issuance of the "Opinions on Further Improving the Horizontal Ecological Protection Compensation Mechanism" by the Ministry of Finance and other departments signifies a commitment to enhance ecological protection and promote high-quality development in river basins, addressing existing challenges in the compensation mechanism [1][2]. Group 1: Current Status and Challenges - 24 provinces in China have established cross-province ecological protection compensation mechanisms, but issues such as insufficient coordination, weak legal guarantees, and lack of social participation hinder the effectiveness of these mechanisms [1]. - The compensation process is not merely a financial transfer; it requires a unified governance system that integrates monitoring, law enforcement, and emergency response to ensure scientific and fair compensation agreements [1]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Framework - The existing ecological protection compensation regulations rely heavily on negotiations between local governments, which, while flexible, lack rigid constraints. There is a need for detailed regulations to clarify compensation standards, fund management, and the responsibilities of upstream and downstream local governments [2]. - Establishing clear rules and legal responsibilities is essential for ensuring that policies are effectively implemented and enforced [2]. Group 3: Engaging Social and Market Forces - The current reliance on government financial transfers for river basin protection limits the involvement of enterprises, social organizations, and the public. Innovative mechanisms are needed to mobilize market and social forces for ecological protection [2]. - Strategies such as enhancing the value realization of ecological products, promoting market transactions (e.g., carbon credits, water rights), and establishing green development funds can attract capital to eco-friendly industries [2]. - Expanding public participation and fostering a societal consensus on the value of ecology are crucial for sustaining long-term engagement in ecological protection efforts [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the enhancement of the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism in China, emphasizing the importance of this mechanism in promoting ecological protection and sustainable development, particularly in major river basins like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers [1][2]. Group 1: Key Tasks of the Mechanism - The first key task is to advance the construction of a unified horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism for the main streams of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, with a focus on dynamic adjustments based on water quality changes in various provinces [1][3]. - The second key task involves deepening the compensation mechanism construction for key inter-provincial river basins, ensuring comprehensive coverage by 2035 [3][4]. - The third key task is to expand and enrich the forms and connotations of the compensation mechanism, encouraging local initiatives to include water quantity and ecological indicators in compensation assessments [5][6]. - The fourth key task is to improve foundational research support, enhancing monitoring capabilities and establishing long-term monitoring mechanisms for water resources and ecological conditions [6]. Group 2: Implementation Measures - The implementation plan includes five measures aimed at establishing a stable operational horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism by 2027, covering major tributaries as well [2][4]. - The central government will provide financial rewards to provinces that effectively operate the compensation mechanism, ensuring local governments take responsibility for its implementation [4][5]. - There is an emphasis on encouraging market-oriented compensation methods, such as establishing ecological industrial parks and providing technical support [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of establishing a horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism to promote ecological protection and sustainable development, aligning with Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought [2][3][4]. Group 1: Significance of the Mechanism - Implementing the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism encourages cost-sharing and benefit-sharing among regions, promoting cooperation and participation in ecological protection [3]. - The mechanism is a necessary requirement for practicing Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought, as highlighted by multiple directives from the General Secretary [3][4]. - It is crucial for deepening ecological civilization system reform and ensuring fair compensation for ecological service providers, thus fostering a positive interaction between ecological product supply areas and beneficiaries [4][5]. Group 2: Achievements and Progress - Significant progress has been made in establishing the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism, with 24 provinces having set up 30 cross-provincial compensation mechanisms [6]. - The quality of ecological environments has improved, with water quality in several rivers stabilizing at Class II for many years, demonstrating the effectiveness of the mechanism [7]. Group 3: Basic Principles - The mechanism must adhere to the principle of comprehensive party leadership, ensuring that the work aligns with the directives of the central government [8]. - A people-centered approach is essential, focusing on addressing prominent ecological issues to enhance the quality of life for citizens [9]. - Systematic thinking and governance are necessary to integrate various ecological elements and promote collaborative governance across regions [10]. Group 4: Key Tasks and Future Directions - The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with other departments, has issued guidelines to further enhance the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism, focusing on key tasks and specific measures [11]. - The implementation of a unified compensation mechanism for major river systems like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers is planned, with a goal for comprehensive coverage by 2035 [12]. - Local governments are encouraged to take responsibility for establishing compensation mechanisms within their jurisdictions, aiming for full coverage by 2027 [13]. Group 5: Expanding Compensation Mechanisms - The article advocates for diversifying the forms and content of compensation mechanisms, including incorporating water resources and ecological indicators into compensation assessments [14]. - It encourages local experimentation with ecological product value accounting and market-based compensation methods to enhance the effectiveness of the mechanisms [14].

Core Viewpoint - China is enhancing its horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism to promote ecological environment protection and achieve the transformation from "green mountains and clear waters" to "golden mountains and silver mountains" [1][2] Group 1: Key Tasks of the Compensation Mechanism - The first key task is to advance the construction of a unified horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism for major rivers like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, with a focus on dynamic adjustments and clear responsibilities for provinces based on water quality changes [1][3] - The second key task involves deepening the compensation mechanism construction between provinces, ensuring that by 2027, there is comprehensive coverage of key river basins [3][4] - The third key task is to expand and enrich the forms and connotations of the compensation mechanism, encouraging local initiatives to include water quantity and ecological indicators in compensation assessments [5][6] Group 2: Implementation and Support Measures - The implementation plan includes five measures aimed at establishing a stable operational horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism by 2027, covering major tributaries as well [2][3] - The central government will provide financial rewards to provinces that effectively operate the compensation mechanism, while local governments are encouraged to take responsibility for its implementation [3][4] - There is a focus on enhancing foundational research support, including technical studies related to ecological protection compensation and improving monitoring capabilities for water resources and ecosystems [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need to expand and enrich the compensation mechanisms for ecological protection, focusing on water resources, environment, and ecology [1] Group 1: Compensation Mechanism - The article advocates for a multi-faceted approach to ecological compensation, encouraging regions with water scarcity to include water quantity in their compensation assessments [1] - It suggests that areas with stable water quality and quantity should adapt their compensation criteria to include ecological indicators based on local conditions [1] Group 2: Compensation Standards - Local governments are encouraged to pioneer initiatives in ecological product value accounting and realization mechanisms, using these results as reference for compensation standards [1] - The article promotes the idea of transitioning from fiscal compensation to market-oriented compensation methods [1] Group 3: Compensation Forms and Elements - The article encourages localities to diversify compensation methods through the establishment of ecological industrial parks, technical assistance, intellectual support, and targeted talent training [1] - It highlights the importance of initiating compensation mechanism development in various ecological elements such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands, tailored to local conditions [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of establishing a horizontal ecological compensation mechanism to accelerate the transformation from "green mountains and clear waters" to "golden mountains and silver mountains" [1] Group 1: Ecological Compensation Mechanism - The establishment of a horizontal ecological compensation mechanism is crucial for promoting sustainable development and balancing economic growth with environmental protection [1] - The article advocates for a collaborative approach among different regions and sectors to enhance ecological protection efforts [1] Group 2: Economic Transformation - The transformation from ecological benefits to economic gains is highlighted as a key objective, aiming to create a synergy between environmental sustainability and economic development [1] - The article suggests that effective ecological compensation can lead to increased investment in green projects, thereby boosting local economies [1]

Core Viewpoint - The horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism is an incentive system that compensates ecological protection areas for the benefits they provide, which is crucial for improving the ecological civilization system. The Chinese government emphasizes the importance of this mechanism in promoting regional ecological cooperation and enhancing environmental quality [1][2][3]. Group 1: Importance of the Mechanism - Implementing the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism promotes cost-sharing and benefit-sharing among regions, aligning with the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" [2]. - The mechanism is a necessary requirement for practicing Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought, as it addresses cross-border water body protection and comprehensive ecological governance [2][3]. - It is a significant step in deepening ecological civilization reform, ensuring fair compensation for ecological product providers and enhancing interaction between ecological product supply and benefit areas [3]. Group 2: Achievements and Progress - The construction of the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism has made significant progress, with 24 provinces establishing 30 cross-provincial compensation mechanisms [5]. - The mechanism has led to improved ecological environment quality, with water quality in several rivers stabilizing at Class II for many years [6]. - The government has issued various regulations and guidelines to enhance the legal and operational framework of the compensation mechanism [5]. Group 3: Future Directions and Tasks - The government plans to further develop the compensation mechanism by establishing a unified compensation system for major river basins like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, aiming for comprehensive coverage by 2035 [10][11]. - There is a focus on expanding the forms and connotations of the compensation mechanism, including integrating water resources and ecological indicators into compensation assessments [12]. - The government encourages local initiatives to explore market-based compensation methods and enhance ecological product value realization [12].

Core Viewpoint - The ecological compensation agreement between Shandong and Henan provinces has been successfully implemented, with Shandong paying a total of 250 million yuan in compensation over four years, demonstrating a collaborative approach to ecological protection in the Yellow River basin [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The ecological compensation agreement was signed in April 2021, establishing a framework for compensation based on water quality improvements and deteriorations [1]. - Compensation amounts are set at 60 million yuan for each level of water quality improvement or deterioration beyond the III class standard [1]. - In 2023, a second round of compensation agreements was signed, extending the compensation period to 2025 and enhancing the assessment criteria for water quality [1]. Group 2: Environmental Impact - Since the agreement's inception, the water quality of the Yellow River entering Shandong has consistently maintained a level above II class, with 94.1% of the river's water classified as good quality [2]. - The proactive approach taken by Shandong in ecological investments has amplified the ecological benefits derived from the agreement [2]. Group 3: Broader Implications - The agreement serves as a model for ecological protection compensation mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of integrity and cooperation between provinces [3]. - The central government plans to establish a unified horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism for major rivers by 2027, indicating a broader commitment to ecological governance across regions [3].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism based on "cost sharing, benefit sharing, and cooperative governance" is a crucial pathway for transforming the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" and is beneficial for promoting regional coordinated development [1]. Group 1: Current Achievements - Significant progress has been made in improving the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism, with an expanded coverage that now includes forests and grasslands [2]. - Agreements for cross-provincial river basin horizontal ecological protection compensation have been signed by 24 provinces, covering 30 cross-provincial river basins [2]. - For instance, Gansu Province initiated a pilot program in 2020 in the Qilian Mountains area, with a total compensation fund reaching 335 million yuan by 2024 [2]. Group 2: Future Directions - Future efforts should focus on clarifying responsibilities and compensation standards, adhering to the principle of "polluter pays, protector benefits," to ensure a positive interaction between ecological product supply areas and beneficiary areas [3]. - Encouragement of cross-regional cooperation and the establishment of a balanced interests mechanism that integrates development coordination and ecological environment co-governance is essential [3]. - The central government will provide financial rewards to provinces that demonstrate high-quality performance in the construction of the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism [3].