Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the successful implementation of inter-provincial ecological compensation agreements between Shandong and Henan, aimed at improving the water quality of the Yellow River [1][2] - Shandong has paid a total of 250 million yuan in ecological compensation to Henan since the signing of the first agreement in 2021, with the latest payment of 62.07 million yuan for the year 2024 [1] - The agreements have led to a consistent improvement in the water quality of the Yellow River, achieving Class II standards since 2021, and have been recognized as a model for ecological protection collaboration [1][2] Group 2 - The ecological compensation model initiated by Shandong has been expanded to include county-level compensation within the province, making it the first in the country to achieve full coverage [2] - The approach has received national recognition, with the Ministry of Finance awarding Shandong 200 million yuan for its innovative practices, which are now being promoted across the country [2] - As of June 2025, a total of 24 provinces in China have established 30 inter-provincial ecological protection compensation mechanisms, indicating a growing trend in collaborative environmental governance [2]