North China's largest freshwater lake reflects conservation benefits
* Weishan Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northern China, is also a hub of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal -- a world heritage site. However, local traditional industries used to cause serious pollution in the lake.
* In contrast to the overdeveloped fishery in the past, the local government has developed a new model of ecological fish farming, which is also used to develop the rural tourism.
* Weishan Lake now covers an area of 1,266 square km with excellent water quality, as the local government practices the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," and promotes the high-quality development of fisheries.
A villager harvests lotus roots near Weishan Lake in Weishan County, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 24, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)
JINAN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Weishan Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northern China and a hub of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal -- a world heritage site. However, local traditional industries used to cause serious pollution in the lake.
The heavy pollution was a wake-up call to the locals -- a stark reminder that natural resources should be cherished and used in a more sustainable way.
Today, Weishan Lake in east China's Shandong Province, has become vibrant and charming again.
Wild birds are seen in Weishan Lake in Weishan County, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 23, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)
BIRDS ARE BACK
Weishan and three other lakes together form Nansi Lake and the locals often refer to Nansi Lake by its signature Weishan Lake.
About four decades ago, Nansi Lake was home to the Baer's Pochard, a national first-class protected diving duck in China. However, these lovely little elves gradually disappeared.
People soon found the answer as to why these ducks disappeared. There were 4,000 sewage stations along the 53 rivers which run into Nansi Lake, pouring waste water into the lake. At that time, Weishan Lake was filled with nothing but odorous water, filthy foam and dead fish.
In recent years, a combination of administrative, juridical and technological measures has come into play for the restoration of the ecological environment. Water area occupied by aquaculture was reduced, some enterprises were closed down or relocated, and the pollution discharge standards were gradually raised.
Regional cooperation mechanisms were also established. All cities and counties in the Nansi basin signed agreements on joint pollution prevention and ecological compensation.
In February 2021, people were surprised to re-encounter the Baer's Pochard over Nansi Lake. The water quality has improved dramatically, as evidenced by the return of wild birds.
Related articles
China introduces policies to facilitate citizens' travels overseas
Qin Chuan (1st R), leader of a group tour, helps tourists fill out exit and entry information before2024-04-30Olympic champion Gabby Douglas competes at the American Classic
KATY, Texas (AP) — Gabby Douglas is officially back.Whether the gymnastics star’s return to the spor2024-04-30Nadal gets even with De Minaur at Madrid Open. Top seeds Sinner and Swiatek advance
MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal tore his headband off, thrust his arms in the air, and soaked up the chee2024-04-30Katie Price's Mucky Mansion is surrounded by her huge car collection
Katie Price's Mucky Mansion is still surrounded by her huge car collection, just days after she fail2024-04-30California is joining with a New Jersey company to buy a generic opioid overdose reversal drug
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is partnering with a New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company to2024-04-30Ceddanne Rafaela homers, drives in 7 runs to lead Boston's 17
BOSTON (AP) — Ceddanne Rafaela homered and drove in seven runs, and Tyler O’Neill also went deep as2024-04-30
atest comment