Core Viewpoint - The meeting emphasized the importance of ecological protection and restoration along the Yangtze River, highlighting the need for collaborative governance and sustainable development in the region [1]. Group 1: Ecological Protection and Governance - The meeting received 71 reports and materials focusing on improving the ecological protection system and wetland conservation along the Yangtze River [1]. - The provincial leaders stressed the need to prioritize the restoration of the Yangtze River's ecological environment and to uphold the political responsibility of protecting the river [1]. - A call was made for a coordinated approach to reduce carbon emissions, pollution, and to enhance green development, thereby injecting vitality into the high-quality development of the Yangtze Economic Belt [1]. Group 2: Cultural Heritage and Community Involvement - There is a strong emphasis on protecting the historical and cultural heritage of the Yangtze River, with a focus on benefiting the people and creating a positive cycle of protection and benefit [1]. - The leaders advocated for a people-centered approach to water management, ensuring that the local communities are actively involved in the protection of the Yangtze River [1]. Group 3: Implementation and Accountability - The meeting highlighted the need for a robust mechanism for ecological compensation and joint governance to strengthen the ecological protection framework along the Yangtze River [1]. - The provincial government is committed to implementing systematic, comprehensive, and collaborative governance strategies to ensure effective ecological protection and restoration efforts [1].

Core Viewpoint - The ten-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River has shown significant positive effects on the recovery of aquatic biodiversity and ecological health, while also facing ongoing challenges in conservation and management [12][13]. Group 1: Ecological Recovery - The Yangtze River's aquatic biodiversity has improved, with the number of indigenous fish species increasing from 308 to 344 since the ban was implemented [2][3]. - The population of the Yangtze River dolphin (Yangtze finless porpoise) has also seen a notable increase, with numbers rising from 1,012 in 2017 to 1,249 in 2022 [3][11]. - The overall water quality in the Yangtze River has improved, with transparency increasing and instances of algal blooms decreasing, leading to a stable water quality rating of Class II [5][9]. Group 2: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite the recovery of common fish species, rare and endemic species are still recovering slowly, indicating that the overall biodiversity restoration will require more time [4][11]. - Human activities, such as shipping noise and pollution from agriculture and industry, continue to pose significant threats to the ecological recovery of the Yangtze River [9][10]. - There is a need for a comprehensive assessment and monitoring system to better understand ecological changes and to develop more effective conservation strategies [4][10]. Group 3: Societal Impact and Awareness - The fishing ban has led to increased public awareness and engagement in ecological protection, with educational initiatives for children and community involvement in conservation efforts [7][8]. - The economic benefits from improved ecological conditions are evident, with increased tourism and local economic activity around conservation areas [7][8]. - However, there is still a lack of scientific understanding among the public regarding ecological protection, highlighting the need for better education on responsible practices [8]. Group 4: Policy and Strategic Initiatives - The ten-year fishing ban is part of a broader strategy to promote ecological civilization and sustainable development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt [12]. - Future efforts should focus on habitat restoration, protection of rare species, and the establishment of a comprehensive rescue system for endangered species [11][12]. - The experiences gained from the Yangtze River's fishing ban can serve as a model for ecological governance in other river basins [12][13].

5月21日， 中新网武汉5月22日电 (记者 武一力)国务院新闻办公室21日至23日组织来自美国、英国、法国、德国、 瑞士、澳大利亚、新加坡、印度尼西亚、伊拉克、卡塔尔、日本等国的媒体记者走进湖北，深入采访推 动长江经济带高质量发展情况。 一名外国记者正在拍摄三峡大坝。中新社记者 武一力 摄 湖北省政府新闻办22日召开中外媒体见面会。记者从会上获悉，2016年以来，湖北"关改搬转"长江流域 化工企业472家。扎实开展长江"十年禁渔"，推动3.2万名渔民退捕上岸。腾退岸线超过180公里，长江 干流水质连续6年稳定在Ⅱ类，水鸟种群5年增长4.9倍。 "最近每天上午十点，以前少见的江豚总是在葛洲坝下游出现。"黄桂云说。 21日晚，中外记者还登上"长江三峡1"号纯电动游船，欣赏葛洲坝、三峡大坝、西陵峡"两坝一峡"风 光。据了解，"长江三峡1"号采用大型纯电动船舶动力和控制系统关键核心技术，相比于传统动力船 舶，每年可减少消耗燃油530吨，减少各类有害气体排放1660吨，助力绿色航运。(完) 图为三峡 大坝。中新社记者 武一力 摄 据介绍，作为开发、治理和保护长江的关键性骨干工程，三峡工程建成运转以来，防洪、发电、航运 ...

Core Points - The Yangtze River's ten-year fishing ban has shown significant progress in restoring aquatic biodiversity and improving water quality, with a 9.5% increase in resource quantity and a 24.7% decrease in fishing-related administrative cases from 2021 to 2024 [1][2][3] - The conservation efforts for flagship species such as the Yangtze sturgeon and Yangtze dolphin are actively underway, with over 1 million sturgeons released in 2024 and successful natural spawning observed [3][4] - The transition of over 200,000 fishermen to alternative livelihoods has been supported through training and policy measures, ensuring their economic stability [5][6][7] Group 1: Biodiversity and Conservation - The Yangtze River has seen a recovery in biodiversity, with 344 native fish species recorded, an increase of 36 species since the ban began [1] - The establishment of the "Yangtze Dolphin Habitat Restoration Demonstration Zone" aims to enhance the natural habitat for the Yangtze dolphin, promoting ecological tourism and public awareness [2] - Successful natural spawning of the Yangtze sturgeon has been achieved, marking a significant breakthrough in conservation efforts [4] Group 2: Fishermen Transition and Support - The "catch-and-cultivate" policy has been implemented to support fishermen transitioning to aquaculture, with training programs provided to enhance their skills [5][6] - As of the first quarter of this year, all 145,000 fishermen capable of working have successfully transitioned to new jobs, with 220,000 receiving basic pension insurance [6][7] - Continuous monitoring and support measures are being established to ensure the stability of fishermen's livelihoods post-transition [7] Group 3: Regulatory and Environmental Measures - The enforcement of fishing bans has been strengthened through cross-regional cooperation to combat illegal fishing activities [8] - Thousands of chemical companies along the Yangtze River have been restructured to adopt greener practices, contributing to the overall ecological restoration of the river [9] - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs plans to enhance collaboration and public participation in ongoing conservation efforts [9]