Understanding and reflections on deepening the reform of the river and lake chief system

Xu Hui; Zhang Jinsong; Ju Maosen; Wu Chenhui

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-1123.2025.05.005

Abstract：Since the comprehensive implementation of the river and lake chief system,significant achievements have been made in the protection and management of rivers and lakes.This system represents a major reform in river and lake management,embodying the practical application of Xi Jinping's thought on ecological civilization.It serves as an effective measure to pool resources to accomplish major initiatives and is an important avenue for innovation in river and lake management models.This study systematically reviews the policy documents and practical explorations related to the river and lake chief system.Drawing on practices from various regions across the country,it identifies several key issues that require attention in deepening the reform of the system and promoting the high-quality development of happy rivers and lakes.These issues include balancing emergency measures with long-term mechanisms,standardizing and normalizing the operations of the system,clarifying and ensuring the fulfillment of responsibilities by river and lake chiefs,establishing ecological product and compensation mechanisms for transboundary rivers and lakes,developing evaluation indicators and assessment systems,and enhancing the breadth and depth of public participation.The study proposes that the deepening development of the river and lake chief system requires innovative mechanisms,high-quality development necessitates new productive forces in water conservancy,river and lake protection and management should respect river ethics,the construction and management of happy rivers and lakes call for new models,and the ultimate goal of the river and lake chief system is to build"safe,healthy,ecological,beautiful,and harmonious"happy rivers and lakes.