Chongqing - Along the banks of the Yangtze River, Sichuan and Chongqing have embarked on an extraordinary journey toward ecological stewardship of the river's upper reaches. This collaboration transcends regional environmental conservation, signaling a pivotal stride toward sustainable development across both provinces.
Situated in the core area of the national nature reserve for rare and endemic fish species in the upper Yangtze River, Hejiang County is graced by the clear blue waters of the river as it flows alongside the city. (Photo provided to Bridging News)
Nestled at the confluence of Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guizhou, Luzhou's Hejiang County, alongside Chongqing's Yongchuan and Jiangjin districts, forms the nucleus of a national nature reserve dedicated to preserving the Yangtze River's unique fish species. However, unsustainable practices like overfishing and illegal sand mining have severely threatened the area's ecological balance by engaging in unsustainable practices, pushing numerous rare fish species to the brink of extinction.
To create a comfort zone for fish in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the nature reserve has preserved a series of naturally formed spawning and foraging grounds. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)
In response, the governments of Sichuan and Chongqing unveiled the Three-Year Action Plan for the Integrated Development Demonstration Zone of Luzhou, Yongchuan, and Jiangjin. This initiative aims to bolster ecological collaboration and safeguarding efforts and enhance the construction of ecological corridors. Together, Hejiang County, Yongchuan, and Jiangjin have initiated a comprehensive project to rejuvenate the natural habitats of the Yangtze's fish populations, ensuring their survival and prosperity.
The three regions of Luzhou, Yongchuan, and Jiangjin are conducting joint patrols within the nature reserve. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)
The cornerstone of these efforts lies in rejuvenating the aquatic environment to favor the natural lifestyles of the fish. Hejiang County has pioneered measures to rehabilitate riverside gravel docks, clearing waterways of debris and restoring riverbanks to their natural state. Additionally, partnerships with research institutions have led to the redesign of riverside municipal infrastructure, ensuring the unimpeded migration and breeding of fish populations.
The shallow gravel banks are teeming with fish spawning. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)
Moreover, a robust framework for mutual governance has been established to combat illegal fishing and sand mining activities threatening the river's ecological balance. Luzhou, Yongchuan, and Jiangjin have ratified the Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the National Nature Reserve of Rare and Endemic Fish Species in the Upper Yangtze River, embarking on comprehensive collaboration for scientific monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and routine patrols.
Within the nature reserve, schools of fish spawn and forage among the aquatic plants. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)
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