Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, and National Forestry and Grassland Administration jointly issued opinions and implementation plans to enhance the horizontal ecological compensation mechanism, aiming to establish a cooperative model for cost-sharing and benefit-sharing between ecological protection areas and beneficiary areas [1][4]. Group 1: Ecological Compensation Mechanism - The horizontal ecological compensation mechanism aims to establish a collaborative framework for cost-sharing and benefit-sharing between regions that protect the environment and those that benefit from it [2]. - The New An River governance case illustrates the effectiveness of such mechanisms, where a "water quality bet" agreement between Anhui and Zhejiang has led to significant improvements in water quality over 12 years [2][3]. - As of now, 24 provinces have established 30 cross-provincial horizontal ecological compensation mechanisms, with Jiangsu, Fujian, Sichuan, and Yunnan achieving full coverage of intra-provincial key river compensation mechanisms [3]. Group 2: Policy Implementation and Goals - The recent documents clarify the work objectives, key tasks, and specific measures for the horizontal ecological compensation mechanism, emphasizing local initiatives supported by central guidance [4][5]. - The implementation plan outlines a phased approach with short-term and long-term goals, aiming to establish a unified compensation mechanism for the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers by 2027 [5][6]. - By 2035, the mechanism is expected to cover key river systems and enhance ecological quality, ensuring effective national ecological security [6]. Group 3: Market-oriented Compensation Mechanism - The Ministry of Finance plans to promote a market-oriented and diversified ecological compensation mechanism, encouraging interaction between ecological product supply areas and beneficiary areas [7]. - Key initiatives include developing trading markets for carbon emissions, pollution rights, and water rights, as well as establishing sustainable benefit-sharing mechanisms for ecological industries [7]. - The focus will shift from government-funded compensation to multiple compensation methods, enhancing collaboration and promoting a "self-sustaining" approach to ecological protection [7]. Group 4: Monitoring and Support - Strengthening monitoring capabilities for water resources, environment, and ecology is essential for supporting the horizontal ecological compensation mechanism [8].