Systematically promoting ecological governance in the Heihe River Basin

Not long ago, the Ejina Oasis located in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia welcomed the long-awaited Black River. This is the first time for Heihe River to reach the East Juyan Sea in the key dispatching period of this year, and it is also the 42nd time for Heihe River to successfully dispatch its resources into the East Juyan Sea for 22 consecutive years

Not long ago, the Ejina Oasis located in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia welcomed the long-awaited Black River. This is the first time for Heihe River to reach the East Juyan Sea in the key dispatching period of this year, and it is also the 42nd time for Heihe River to successfully dispatch its resources into the East Juyan Sea for 22 consecutive years.

Heihe River is the second largest inland river in China, known as the "mother river" of the Hexi Corridor. It originates in the middle section of the Qilian Mountains and has a total length of 928 kilometers. It flows through Qinghai, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and finally flows into the eastern and western Juyanhai of Ejina Banner. The Heihe River is related to the survival of Dongju Yanhai and Ejina Oasis. The water volume entering Ejina Oasis this time is 349 million cubic meters, which has positive significance in curbing local desertification expansion, alleviating downstream drought, and maintaining ecological security of Ejina Oasis.

However, there are still concerns about the Black River Basin entering a dry season and the resurgence of ecological degradation crisis. According to data provided by the Water Affairs Bureau of Alxa League, since 2020, the Ejina section of the Heihe River Basin has had a total of about 100 consecutive years of water interruption. On May 20, last year, the entire Ejina section of the Heihe River Basin was cut off, and there was no water supply for over 10 months in the eastern part of Yanhai. Multiple lakes and wetlands have dried up one after another, and some areas have shown a degradation trend.

If the Black River enters the dry season, how can downstream water be effectively guaranteed? How can we make up for the fragile ecological environment in northern Xinjiang? The author believes that it is necessary to establish a "one game" thinking and systematically promote the ecological protection and governance of the Heihe River Basin.

Firstly, starting from the spatial level of the watershed, overall planning and systematic implementation of ecological protection and governance work should be carried out. The upper reaches of the Heihe River are typical high mountain canyons, with snow capped mountains, forests, and alpine meadows, originating from the Qilian Mountains and flowing through the Qilian Mountains National Park, one of the first 10 pilot national parks in China. In the upstream source area, ecological protection and restoration efforts should be increased to improve vegetation coverage and water conservation capacity. The middle reaches of the Heihe River are the famous section of the Hexi Corridor on the Silk Road, and there is also the Zhangye Heihe Wetland Protection Zone, aiming to establish a long-term mechanism to reduce damage to wetland resources and environment. At the same time, scientifically plan and construct water resource allocation projects and water source projects in the upstream, middle, and downstream, improve the flood control engineering system of reservoirs, rivers, embankments, flood storage and detention areas, and continuously optimize the structure of water resource allocation.

Secondly, grasp the dialectical relationship between the current and long-term, development and protection, and strive for long-term success. Accelerate the progress of watershed ecological protection and governance, activate and improve watershed ecological functions, and achieve sustainable development of watershed ecology. We must prioritize water conservation and prioritize water management. We must adhere to the principles of using water to determine cities, land, people, and production. We must strengthen the zoning control of watershed ecological protection and governance, accelerate the adjustment and optimization of watershed industrial structure and economic layout, scientifically regulate the intensity of watershed development, strictly define ecological protection red lines, and continuously improve the adaptability of watershed ecological environment carrying capacity to the needs of economic and social development.

Finally, and most importantly, it is to enhance cognition and cultivate systematic concepts. Starting from the source, increase the publicity efforts for watershed ecological protection and governance, and make more people realize the importance of watershed ecological protection and governance. Actively advocating green and low-carbon production and lifestyle, making green production, green consumption, green travel, and other conscious actions of people. Vigorously carry out deep water-saving and water control actions to enhance the ability of intensive and economical utilization of water resources. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen the construction of relevant systems, establish and improve relevant laws and regulations, manage and use water in accordance with the law, and use governance power to promote river basin governance on the path of production development, affluent life, and good ecological development.

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