Concepts and approaches of the happy rivers and lakes initiative from the perspective of river and lake protection and governance in the new era
TONG Xuewei
LI Aihua
XU Wei
Abstract：The happy rivers and lakes initiative represents an innovative water governance concept with Chinese characteristics.At present,the initiative has progressed from the pilot and demonstration-led Stage 1.0 to the Stage 2.0 characterized by systematic planning and comprehensive implementation.From the perspective of river and lake protection and governance in the new era,this paper further interprets the essential connotations of happy rivers and lakes.It argues that:first,happy rivers and lakes have dual attributes,embodying both the"happiness"of rivers and lakes themselves and the happiness they bring to people;second,they are relative,emphasizing psychological experience and subjective perception;third,they are developmental,as"happiness"evolves along with the changing relationship between humans and rivers and lakes,showing an overall upward trend in tandem with socio-economic progress.In the stage of ecological civilization,the ultimate goal of happy rivers and lakes is the mutual pursuit and harmonious coexistence between humans and water bodies.Accordingly,the strategic principles for advancing the initiative comprehensively are elaborated:fully leverage the river and lake chief system to promote coordinated action nationwide;adhere to integrated planning at both macro and regional levels;emphasize top-level design with both long-term vision and phased implementation;focus on excellence through a combination of large-scale and small-scale projects;inherit and promote cultural traditions to balance the past and present;prioritize institutional mechanisms by combining structural and non-structural measures;and ensure joint efforts between central and local governments to form collaborative synergy.
Keywords：Xi Jinping's thought on ecological civilizationhappy rivers and lakesprotection and governancecomprehensive promotionriver ethicsriver and lake chief systemhigh-quality development
Publication Date：2025-10-30
Online Publishing Date：2025-11-14(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 53-57,72 )