Institutional innovation practices and recommendations for the ecological recovery of rivers and lakes
Liu Xiaoyong
Abstract：The ecological recovery of rivers and lakes is a practical approach for implementing Xi Jinping thought on eco-civilization and his important discourse on water governance,serving as a fundamental safeguard for high-quality development in water conservancy. To address prominent issues in the ecology and environment of rivers and lakes,China has introduced a series of innovative policies based on national and water conditions,established a series of innovative systems,formed a new pattern of river and lake governance and protection driven by both institutional and technological innovation,resulting in historic improvement in the appearance of rivers and lakes. Based on an in-depth analysis of the background,key requirements,implementation status,and practical outcomes of relevant systems for ecological recovery of rivers and lakes,and considering current weak links,this study proposes comprehensive measures to promote recovery from the aspects of development concepts,effective coordination,and policy support. The study shows that the river and lake chief system,rigid constraints on water use,"dual control" of groundwater,and innovative soil and water conservation measures have played significant roles in ecological recovery,achieving notable results in practice. To fully advance the ecological recovery of rivers and lakes,it is essential to adhere to the principles of human-water harmony and green development;improve collaborative mechanisms to enable basin-wide governance;and strengthen policy support to achieve "happy rivers and lakes" across regions.
Keywords：river and lake recoveryriver and lake governanceinstitutional innovationpolicy supportriver and lake chief systemrigid water use constraintshappy rivers and lakes
Publication Date：2024-11-12
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 24-28 )