Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful ecological restoration and management of the Heihe River, emphasizing the importance of water resource allocation and unified scheduling to revive the river's ecosystem and support regional development [3][9][17]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration - The Heihe River has seen a significant reduction in water flow to its lower reaches, with a nearly 80% decrease since the 1950s, leading to severe ecological degradation in the Ejina Oasis [2][3]. - The implementation of unified water flow scheduling since 2000 has resulted in the successful restoration of the river's ecosystem, with the East Juyan Lake achieving 21 consecutive years of no desiccation by 2025 [5][6][12]. - The ecological flow rate at the Yingluoxia hydrological section has reached a 100% compliance rate, indicating a significant improvement in the river's ecological health [16]. Group 2: Water Resource Management - The establishment of the Heihe River Basin Management Bureau has marked a historic shift in water resource management, focusing on coordinated efforts across upstream and downstream regions [3][9]. - A total of 95 unified scheduling measures have been implemented, resulting in 169.62 billion cubic meters of water entering the Ejina Oasis, revitalizing its ecosystem [9][12]. - The introduction of innovative water management practices, including satellite monitoring and real-time adjustments, has enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of water resource allocation [10][12]. Group 3: Economic and Social Impact - The ecological improvements have led to a resurgence in tourism and trade in the Ejina region, with significant increases in tourism revenue and local economic development [17]. - The agricultural sector has benefited from water-saving measures, with a reported 30.07% reduction in water usage per unit of GDP since 2020, demonstrating a shift towards sustainable practices [13][16]. - The overall improvement in the ecological environment has fostered social stability and ethnic unity in the region, contributing to a harmonious community [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of promoting high-quality development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the central urban agglomeration of the Yangtze River, aligning with national regional coordination strategies and the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan [1][3]. Group 1: Strategic Development - The 15th Five-Year Plan aims to enhance regional development coordination and promote the growth of regional center cities within the Yangtze River Economic Belt [1]. - The eighth Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Strategy Forum was held in Wuhan, focusing on high-quality urban agglomeration development, providing strategic insights from various experts [1][2]. - The establishment of the "Yangtze River Economic Belt High-Quality Development Think Tank Alliance" aims to support major regional decisions through continuous research and forums [2]. Group 2: Collaborative Mechanisms - The concept of "Four Commons" (joint consultation, ecological governance, comprehensive construction, and shared development) is proposed as a framework for enhancing inter-provincial collaboration in the Yangtze River middle urban agglomeration [3][4]. - The need for a robust collaborative mechanism is highlighted, focusing on policy guidance, market-driven dynamics, and ecological protection to facilitate high-quality development [4]. Group 3: Regional Challenges and Solutions - Current challenges in the Yangtze River middle urban agglomeration include insufficient foundational research, weak collaborative efforts, and inadequate support for resource transformation [4]. - Proposed solutions include strengthening strategic leadership, resource aggregation, industrial radiation, and collaborative organization to achieve high-quality inter-city development [4][5]. Group 4: Learning from Other Regions - The article suggests that the Yangtze River Economic Belt can benefit from international and domestic development experiences, such as the Rhine and Great Lakes regions, to inform its growth strategies [6]. - The integration of ecological, logistics, and innovation chains is recommended to enhance regional collaboration and development [6]. Group 5: Future Urban Development - The article outlines a vision for future urban development in the Yangtze River middle urban agglomeration, focusing on smart logistics, ecological protection, and comprehensive urban planning [8]. - The establishment of a dense water transport network and the promotion of green, intelligent, and inclusive urban ecosystems are emphasized as key objectives for the 15th Five-Year Plan [8].

Core Viewpoint - The governance of the Yongding River reflects a historical narrative of water management in China, showcasing a blend of ancient wisdom and modern ecological restoration efforts [2] Group 1 - The ancient approach to water management involved adapting to natural conditions and mitigating risks, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence with the "unruly river" [2] - Contemporary strategies focus on systematic governance and ecological restoration, injecting new vitality into the management of the Yongding River [2] - The narrative of the Yongding River serves as a representation of China's broader approach to watershed governance, offering a "Chinese solution" to the world [2]

Core Viewpoint - The governance approach for the Yangtze River has shifted from isolated and fragmented management to a comprehensive and holistic safety perspective, emphasizing ecological restoration and sustainable development [1][10]. Summary by Sections Ecological Restoration and Achievements - The Yangtze River has undergone significant ecological restoration, with the proportion of water quality monitoring points rated as good increasing from 82.3% in 2016 to over 98% currently, and the main river sections maintaining Class II water quality for five consecutive years [4][6]. - The number of Yangtze River dolphins has risen to 1,249, a 23.4% increase since 2017, indicating a successful recovery of key species [5]. Collaborative Governance - Collaborative efforts among provinces along the Yangtze River have led to systematic governance, with initiatives like the "One River, Two Lakes" project and ecological compensation agreements enhancing cross-regional cooperation [6][10]. Economic Contributions - The Yangtze River Economic Belt has shown increasing economic contributions, with a total foreign trade value of 19.85 trillion yuan in 2024, marking a historical high [7][8]. - The region has developed world-class industrial clusters, including electronics and high-end equipment manufacturing, significantly boosting local economies [7]. Water Resource Management - The Yangtze River basin has established the world's largest reservoir system, with over 52,000 reservoirs and significant flood control capacity, enhancing water resource management [8]. Global River Governance Insights - The governance model of the Yangtze River serves as a reference for global river management, advocating for a balanced approach between natural forces and human control, and emphasizing the importance of protecting river ecosystems and cultural heritage [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the collaborative legislative efforts among the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan to protect the ecological environment of the Chishui River, a significant tributary of the Yangtze River, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks in environmental conservation [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Legislative Efforts - Since 2019, Luzhou has actively participated in the collaborative legislative work for the protection of the Chishui River basin, transitioning from a fragmented management approach to a coordinated legislative framework [2][3]. - On May 27-28, 2021, the legislative assemblies of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan passed decisions and regulations aimed at strengthening the joint protection of the Chishui River basin, which took effect on July 1, 2021 [2][3]. Group 2: Environmental Impact - Luzhou's efforts have resulted in a 100% excellent water quality rate across 13 national and provincial monitoring sections, with the Chishui River maintaining a stable Class II water quality [4]. - The Chishui River, flowing through three provinces, has faced significant ecological pressures due to historical mining and hydropower activities, necessitating a comprehensive approach to environmental management [2][5]. Group 3: Local Initiatives - Local enterprises, such as a distillery in Gulin, have invested in wastewater treatment facilities, achieving a daily treatment capacity of 5,000 tons and ensuring 100% compliance with discharge standards [5][6]. - Gulin County has implemented extensive environmental remediation efforts, including the closure of 66 small hydropower stations and the ecological restoration of abandoned mines, contributing to improved water quality in the Chishui River [6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of establishing a Chinese characteristic watershed economics knowledge system to support sustainable development in watershed economies [1] Group 1: Governance and Policy Framework - Xi Jinping's thoughts provide significant guidance for watershed governance, promoting a new development concept that drives collaborative upgrades in watershed economies [2] - The governance framework includes breaking administrative barriers to create a watershed economic community, enhancing regional economic integration [2] - The ecological civilization thought encourages balancing ecological and economic development, as seen in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and Yellow River Basin strategies [2][3] Group 2: Practical Examples of Watershed Governance - The Yangtze River Economic Belt focuses on ecological foundations and green transformation, implementing projects to improve water quality and restore fish species [4] - The Yellow River Basin addresses water resource challenges through a dual control system, emphasizing water conservation and ecological restoration [4] - The Pearl River Delta promotes a "chain upgrade, collaborative efficiency" model, enhancing industrial competitiveness through regional integration [5] Group 3: Theoretical Framework for Watershed Economics - The Chinese characteristic watershed economics knowledge system integrates various theories to ensure a balance between development and protection [6] - Resource and environmental carrying capacity theory provides a scientific basis for watershed development intensity and industrial layout [7] - The theory of regional coordinated development emphasizes ecological compensation and benefit sharing to promote balanced development within watersheds [7] Group 4: Implementation Pathways for Watershed Economics - Building a Chinese characteristic watershed economics knowledge system requires addressing theoretical bottlenecks and quantifying resource environmental carrying capacity [9] - The approach includes creating a closed-loop mechanism that iterates between practice and theory to enhance governance effectiveness [9] - Interdisciplinary integration is essential, developing tools that combine ecological economics, regional science, and environmental law to foster new fields [9]