西部地区在全国改革发展稳定大局中举足轻重，西部大开发是党中央作出的重大战略决策。习近平总书 记高度重视西部地区经济社会发展，提出"要一以贯之抓好党中央推动西部大开发政策举措的贯彻落 实，进一步形成大保护、大开放、高质量发展新格局"。党的二十届四中全会审议通过的"十五五"规划 建议对"增强区域发展协调性"作出部署，明确提出"扎实推动西部大开发形成新格局"。当前和今后一个 时期，形成大保护、大开放、高质量发展新格局是在新时代推进西部大开发的重要遵循，需准确把握其 内涵要义，提升区域整体实力和可持续发展能力，为中国式现代化建设贡献力量。 准确把握西部大开发的时代内涵 党的十八大以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，西部地区经济社会发展取得重大历史性 成就。生态环境保护修复取得重大成效，高质量发展能力明显提升，开放型经济格局加快构建，基础设 施条件大为改观，人民生活水平稳步提高，如期打赢脱贫攻坚战，同全国一道全面建成小康社会，踏上 了全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程。同时也要看到，西部地区发展依然面临不少困难和挑战，不平 衡不充分问题仍较为突出。2024年4月，习近平总书记在重庆主持召开新时代推动西部大开发座 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformative changes in the ecological protection and governance of the Yangtze River since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, emphasizing a shift from extensive development to comprehensive protection of the river ecosystem [1][2]. Summary by Sections Ecological Protection and Water Resource Management - The Yangtze River serves as a crucial water resource for over 470 million people in its basin and benefits more than 250 million people in northern water-scarce regions through various water diversion projects [2]. - The Yangtze River Commission has prioritized ecological restoration, ensuring ecological flow, and has eliminated over 90,000 kilometers of dehydrated river sections [2]. - The water quality compliance rate for important drinking water sources in the Yangtze River basin increased from 97.56% in 2020 to 99.5% in 2024, with the main river maintaining Class II water quality for five consecutive years [3]. Systematic Governance Approach - The governance of the Yangtze River has shifted from fragmented management to a systematic approach, emphasizing collaboration among provinces and departments [4][5]. - A specialized protection agency for the Han River basin was established in June 2024 to enhance cross-province cooperation in water resource management [5]. - The Yangtze River Commission has implemented a unified scheduling mechanism for 132 water projects, improving flood control and resource utilization [6]. Community and Economic Benefits - The governance model emphasizes the principle of "people first," ensuring that the benefits of ecological protection are shared with the public [7]. - The Yangtze River's ecological resources support local industries, such as the cultivation of over 300,000 acres of pears in Chongqing and the production of high-quality rice in Hubei, benefiting over 1 million households [7]. - The Yangtze River's governance practices are being recognized internationally, providing a replicable model for river management in other countries [8].