Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between China and Central Asian countries to address the ecological crisis of the Aral Sea is gaining attention, showcasing significant achievements in ecological governance and sustainable agricultural practices [3][7]. Group 1: Ecological Governance Initiatives - China and Central Asian countries have conducted joint scientific investigations and implemented various ecological projects, including saline-alkali land management and the establishment of water-saving cotton demonstration areas [3][6]. - The "Photovoltaic + Cotton Water and Fertilizer Integration" demonstration area in Uzbekistan has doubled cotton yields while significantly reducing costs and water usage through advanced irrigation and fertilization technologies [4][6]. Group 2: Technological Collaboration - The integration of Chinese photovoltaic panels and smart irrigation systems has led to an average cotton yield of 307 kg per mu in the demonstration area, which is substantially higher than the local average of 120 kg per mu, while water usage is approximately 70% of the local norm [6][7]. - The collaboration has provided a platform for technical exchanges between Chinese and Uzbek scientists, enhancing local capabilities in ecological governance [6][8]. Group 3: Regional Challenges and Responses - The Aral Sea, once the fourth largest lake in the world, has shrunk to about 10% of its original size due to human activities and climate change, leading to severe ecological consequences [4][7]. - The ecological crisis of the Aral Sea is a shared challenge for Central Asian countries, necessitating cooperative efforts for effective solutions [7][9]. Group 4: Future Prospects and International Cooperation - China has expressed willingness to deepen cooperation with Central Asian countries in addressing the Aral Sea ecological crisis, as highlighted during the first China-Central Asia Summit [7][9]. - The establishment of agricultural technology demonstration centers and platforms for bilateral agricultural cooperation is expected to enhance food production and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region [8][9].

Core Insights - Ordos City is characterized by severe water scarcity, with a per capita water resource of only 1,299 cubic meters, significantly lower than national and regional averages [1] - The city has implemented a "quality-based water supply, gradient treatment, and recycling" system to promote water conservation and efficient utilization [1] - As of December 2024, the groundwater level in Ordos has risen by 1.84 meters year-on-year, marking three consecutive years of increase [1] Water Resource Management - In November 2022, Ordos issued the "Four Waters and Four Determinations" plan to enforce water management principles [1] - The "Ordos City Water Resource Management Regulations" came into effect on January 1, 2024, providing legal support for standardized water resource management [1] - A water supply project utilizing the Yellow River's water indicators was launched on July 18, 2024, allowing for an annual intake of 28 million cubic meters [1] Industrial Water Conservation - The Zhongtian Hechuang Chemical Company has established a three-tiered water-saving management system, achieving significant water efficiency [2] - The company has a 3,000 cubic meters per hour deep processing facility for mine water, which replaces Yellow River water for production [2] - An investment of 150 million yuan in a high-salinity water salt production project reduces hazardous waste by 52,000 tons annually [2] Agricultural Water Efficiency - The Ordos region is promoting facility-based water-saving agriculture, with farmers exchanging irrigated land for greenhouses, significantly reducing water usage [6] - Each greenhouse can save over 1,500 cubic meters of irrigation water annually compared to traditional crops [6] - The implementation of small-flow drip irrigation technology has led to a 30% to 50% reduction in water usage while increasing crop yields by 15% [9] Urban Water Recycling - In the Kangbashi District, 80% of urban greening water comes from recycled water, with a daily processing capacity of 12,000 tons [11] - The district has laid 3,051.4 kilometers of recycled water pipelines, achieving an 83% irrigation rate for urban greening [12] - The annual savings from using recycled water for irrigation amount to 15.74 million cubic meters, reducing irrigation costs by 130 million yuan [12]