China’s environmental authorities announced on Thursday that nearly 90 million tons of solid waste have been removed from the Yellow River, known as China’s Mother River, over the past two years. This comprehensive effort involved investigating and remediating solid waste dumping within a 10-kilometer range on both sides of the main stream of the Yellow River and its four main tributaries. The successful clearance of various types of solid waste has effectively safeguarded the water ecology of the Yellow River Basin, according to Zhao Qunying, director at the Bureau of Ecological and Environmental Enforcement under the Ministry of Environment and Ecology (MEE).
The investigation covered 55 cities and prefectures across nine provinces within the Yellow River Basin, covering an area of approximately 133,000 square kilometers, Zhao stated. The second phase of solid waste management in the Yellow River has now been initiated and is expected to last for two years. During this phase, environmental authorities will address key issues and conduct inspections in 50 national-level natural reserves. The use of satellite remote sensing and public reporting will help identify environmental issues along the Yellow River. Zhao emphasized that experts will provide recommendations for local solid waste cleanup and remediation efforts, offering focused support and guidance.
In addition to the Yellow River, China is also focusing on ecological protection in the Yangtze River, the country’s longest river. The MEE has introduced a detailed assessment regulation for the aquatic ecosystem of the Yangtze River Basin. The pilot assessment of the aquatic ecosystem in the basin has been launched, according to Liu Youbin, spokesperson for the MEE. A total of 50 assessment water bodies, including the main stream of the Yangtze River, major tributaries, and key reservoirs, have been identified. The monitoring and evaluation of the aquatic ecosystem will be carried out through zonal and categorical approaches.
Xu Chong, an expert from the MEE, emphasized that the assessment of the aquatic ecosystem in the Yangtze River Basin will primarily focus on positive incentives. The aim is to drive the resolution of water ecological environmental issues at the provincial level and continuously improve the quality of the basin’s aquatic ecosystem. These measures highlight China’s commitment to environmental protection and conservation of its major rivers, promoting a healthier and more sustainable natural environment.