A decade after the publication of the «Ten Water Policies,» another crucial water management document has been implemented. The Action Plan for Protecting and Creating Beautiful Rivers and Lakes (2025–2027) (hereinafter referred to as the «Action Plan») has been officially released, jointly developed by seven ministries, including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Finance.
When we think of beautiful rivers and lakes, poetic landscapes come to mind: «Rivers flow beyond the heavens, mountains rise among the clouds» or «Mist rises like a dream, waves lap against the city of Yueyang.» But what do beautiful rivers and lakes mean in terms of development planning? As explained by representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, they embody the ideal of «clear waters and green shores, shallow waters teeming with fish.» This implies effective protection of water resources, aquatic environments, and aquatic ecosystems across all regions, significantly improving ecological well-being, happiness, and safety for people—ultimately achieving «harmony between humans and water.»
Beautiful rivers and lakes encapsulate the achievements and key commitments in building a beautiful China within aquatic ecosystems. Since the project’s launch in 2021, implementation has progressed nationwide in phases. Regions such as Maozhou River in Shenzhen, Yundang Lake in Xiamen, and Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang have been recognized among 94 outstanding examples of beautiful rivers and lakes.
Of course, the project’s significance extends beyond ecological management—it also impacts economic activity and public well-being. For instance, the regulation of Maozhou River has created 15 square kilometers of waterfront space, now home to urban complexes, a university district, and a high-tech zone, attracting over 180 technology companies. Meanwhile, around Yundang Lake, wastewater treatment and flood prevention systems have been improved, parks and green spaces developed, and a sanctuary for white-tailed eagles established, integrating ecological landscapes with flood-control embankments.
Transforming «good ecological water» into «economically vibrant water,» which in turn nurtures a new «ecology,» follows a simple philosophical logic. Converting ecological value requires innovation to ensure sustainability and relevance. Similar experiments are already underway in Shaoxing and Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, where the positive feedback loops of «green mountains and clear waters» are being actively explored. Capital generated from ecological value conversion is reinvested into improving aquatic ecosystems, fostering public enthusiasm for water protection and management.
Systemic governance is key to advancing the project. Cross-regional collaboration remains a challenge in river and lake regulation. The «Action Plan» proposes coordinated management of upstream and downstream areas, left and right banks, and main and tributary channels, aiming to ensure effective protection of key interprovincial aquatic ecosystems by 2027. Future efforts will deepen regional cooperation and develop multidimensional mechanisms for comprehensive river basin management. Local characteristics must also be considered, so the «Action Plan» calls for including small water bodies in protection zones and clearly defining development requirements.
The current focus of the «Action Plan» is on improving quality and efficiency, addressing not only water pollution but also ecosystem restoration. May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, with this year’s theme being «Living in Harmony for a Sustainable Future.» In this context, discussions on protecting and creating beautiful rivers and lakes take on special meaning. Managing aquatic ecosystems means safeguarding biodiversity—and, by extension, humanity itself.
When people everywhere can enjoy «greenery outside their windows and landscapes beyond their doors,» and more places achieve «harmony between humans and water» through «clear waters and green shores,» beautiful rivers and lakes will become rivers of happiness. «Poetry and distant horizons» will no longer be mere ideals but part of everyday life.
