The Yellow River, often hailed as China's \"mother river\", plays a crucial role in the nation's ecology and economy. Running through nine provinces and autonomous regions, it supports about 12% of China's population, irrigates around 15% of arable land, and supplies water to more than 50 cities.
Despite accounting for just 2% of China's river runoff, the Yellow River basin faces significant challenges. It has the largest proportion of water and soil loss among China's major river basins, making its ecology particularly vulnerable. The upper, middle, and lower reaches of the river are prone to degradation, with restoration efforts proving extremely difficult and slow.
In response, President Xi Jinping has been a driving force behind the push for ecological conservation. He held symposiums in 2019 and 2021, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to protect the river and promote high-quality development. Xi stressed that the differences between the river's upper, middle, and lower reaches must be fully considered to maintain the integrity of the Yellow River ecosystem.
Following Xi's guidance, China has rolled out a series of practical measures to safeguard the river. These initiatives have already led to improvements in water quality along the main stream, and there's been a noticeable boost in biodiversity both at the river's source and in the Yellow River Delta.
Most recently, a meeting on the ecological conservation and high-quality development of the basin was held in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. During this meeting, Xi reiterated the commitment to elevating ecological protection across the entire river basin, aiming for new progress in green transformation and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
China's ongoing efforts to conserve the Yellow River are a testament to its dedication to environmental sustainability and the well-being of its people. As the nation continues to implement these measures, the hope for a healthier, greener Yellow River shines bright. 🌍✨
