In recent years, Chongqing has thoroughly implemented the principle of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," emphasizing the "Nine Governance" ecological governance framework to advance ecological protection in tandem with high-quality development. By 2024, the municipality had achieved commendable outcomes in ecological environmental quality. Public satisfaction with the ecological surroundings consistently averaged around 95% over four consecutive years, integrating eco-conservation and green development into every aspect of daily life.

In addressing pollution control challenges, Chongqing has applied targeted measures and attained outstanding results. The water quality of the Chongqing section of the Yangtze River mainstream has consistently met Class II standards for eight consecutive years, with all 20 monitored sections achieving excellent water quality. Meanwhile, 74 nationally controlled segments saw a 100% rate of excellent water quality for two continuous years. Air quality has improved steadily, with the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) decreasing year-on-year by 8.4% to 33.6 micrograms per cubic meter. In 2024, Chongqing recorded 333 days of good or excellent air quality. Soil environmental risks have been effectively managed, maintaining a 100% safe utilization rate of key construction land for four consecutive years. Changshou District has developed a comprehensive five-level prevention and control system for accident wastewater, establishing a robust safety defense chain from enterprises to the Yangtze River. Jiulongpo District introduced the innovative "enterprise river chief" collaboration mechanism, enabling joint water ecological improvement efforts by the government and businesses.

Ecological restoration projects continue to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the mountain city. The integrated protection and restoration project for mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and sands in the central area of the Three Gorges Reservoir has achieved a 98% completion rate. Through vegetation restoration in the riparian zone, Huanghua Island in Zhongxian County has become a sanctuary for birds, including egrets. The Honglu Mine Pit in Banan District has been ecologically transformed into a thousand-mu sea of Canola flowers, becoming a popular tourist destination. Ningjiangdu Park in Wushan County has turned barren land into an eco-friendly waterspace, achieving a vegetation coverage rate of over 90% and recreating the scenic "Evening Crossing at Ningjiang River" scene. The city has established a total of 218 nature reserves, in which more than 800 species of terrestrial wild vertebrates and over 6,000 species of wild vascular plants reside, reflecting significant achievements in biodiversity conservation. 

After ecological restoration, Ningjiangdu Park's barren slopes are now "dressed" in a green coat." (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

The comprehensive adoption of low-carbon technologies by enterprises, industries, and energy systems is fostering new drivers for economic development. The city has established a total of 16 national green industrial parks, 170 green-certified factories, and 18 enterprises employing green supply chain management. The concept of "green" has become a defining aspect of industrial advancement. The representative of Southwest Aluminum (Group) Co., Ltd. disclosed that since 2024, the organization has successfully reduced rolling oil emissions by over 100 tons, achieving cost savings exceeding 1 million yuan, with a comprehensive purification efficiency observed at 96%. As the sole enterprise in China to independently master the nitrous oxide catalytic decomposition technology of adipic acid, Chongqing Huafon Chemical Co., Ltd., leverages this innovation to annually reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 46,200 tons, equivalent to a carbon dioxide reduction of 13.76 million tons. 

Emission reduction facility for nitrous oxide at Chongqing Huafon Chemical Co., Ltd. (Photo/Chongqing Huafon Chemical Co., Ltd.)

The ecological transformation of villages paints a picturesque new scenery. From environmental pollution control to industrial growth, villages in Chongqing create a vivid demonstration of the belief "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." In the first half of this year, Tanpan received renewed backing from national bonds, facilitating the construction of a sewage treatment plant capable of processing 250 tons per day, effectively resolving the historical issue of rainwater and sewage mixture. Pulian Town, Wuxi County, leverages the national reserve forest transformation and upgrading plan to establish a "tree layer + shrub layer" multi-tier, mixed-age forest system locally. This initiative has improved carbon sink capacity by over 20%. The comprehensive output value per mu is projected to reach 6,000–8,000 yuan during peak production periods, achieving ecological and economic "dual appreciation." The Tengzigou Reservoir in Shizhu County has achieved the status of a national 3A-level scenic spot through an integrated protection and restoration project that encompasses mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and sands, delivering both ecological and economic benefits.

It is reported that the 2025 National Environment Day event will be hosted for the first time in Chongqing. Serving as a significant ecological barrier in the upper Yangtze River region, Chongqing will utilize this event to highlight China's green development story in the new era, showcase its ecological management achievements of "A Land of Natural Beauty, A City with Cultural Appeal," and foster a collective effort among its people to create and sustain a vibrant China. In this city of mountains and rivers, the picturesque scene of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature is gradually unfolding. Let us eagerly anticipate an even more splendid "Chongqing chapter" within the narrative of a beautiful China.