Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Beautiful Rivers and Lakes and Beautiful Bays Protection and Construction Promotion Conference emphasizes the need for two transformations in ecological environment protection during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, shifting the focus from water quality improvement to overall ecological health [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Direction - The "two transformations" indicate a shift in focus from achieving a certain percentage of good water bodies to enhancing the overall quality of the ecological environment in rivers and bays [1][2]. - The period of the 14th Five-Year Plan is crucial for consolidating the achievements of water protection efforts and deepening the construction of beautiful rivers and lakes, as well as beautiful bays [1][2]. Group 2: Achievements and Challenges - During the 14th Five-Year Plan, significant progress has been made in the protection and governance of major rivers and lakes, with the proportion of surface water quality reaching 90.4% and coastal water quality remaining stable at 83.7% [2]. - Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including the need for improved ecological integrity, biodiversity, and habitat connectivity in water bodies [2]. Group 3: Practical and Theoretical Foundations - The transformation is supported by practical experience, theoretical foundations, and technical conditions, with a focus on the integrated management of water resources, environment, and ecology [3]. - The release of the "Yangtze River Basin Water Ecological Assessment Index Scoring Guidelines" has established a comprehensive evaluation system that aids in the transition from water environment governance to integrated management [3]. Group 4: Implementation Plans - The "Beautiful Rivers and Lakes Protection and Construction Action Plan (2025-2027)" marks a new phase in river and lake governance, emphasizing ecosystem health [4]. - Local governments are encouraged to plan and implement measures that promote pollution control and ecological restoration, such as restoring ecological buffer zones and natural wetlands [4]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The "two transformations" signify a new starting point for water ecological environment governance, urging local authorities to adopt a systematic approach and higher standards for comprehensive improvement [5].

Core Viewpoint - The "Beautiful Rivers and Lakes Protection and Construction Action Plan (2025-2027)" marks a significant milestone in China's water ecological environment management, transitioning from quantitative to qualitative improvements [1][5]. Group 1: Policy and Framework - The Action Plan represents a comprehensive deployment for water ecological environment protection, following the 2015 "Water Pollution Prevention Action Plan" [1]. - The management goals have shifted from "total control" of water pollution to "quality management," emphasizing ecological function and water quality safety [2][3]. - The governance approach has evolved from single-industry emission reduction to comprehensive watershed management and ecological restoration [2][5]. Group 2: Implementation and Challenges - The Action Plan aims to improve water ecological environment quality through precise pollution control, scientific management, and legal enforcement [3][5]. - Despite progress, structural and trend-related pressures on water ecological environment protection remain significant, particularly in the Yangtze River basin where local water quality issues persist [2][6]. - The plan includes the management of 2,573 water bodies, with over one-third located in the Yangtze River basin, highlighting the focus on targeted ecological strategies [7]. Group 3: Future Directions - The initiative emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to water management, integrating ecological, social, and economic factors to enhance the resilience and sustainability of water ecosystems [10]. - The plan encourages the development of beautiful rivers and lakes as a dual pathway for ecological and economic benefits, promoting green and low-carbon development [10].