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
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Socialite Jasmine Hartin has been seen enjoying a beach snuggle with her new mystery man.Ms Hartin w2024-05-21Europe, China could be partners for boosting electrification in auto industry
People visit the booth of Chinese carmaker Xpeng during the 2023 International Motor Show, officiall2024-05-21LeBron James EXPLODES on Lakers coach Darvin Ham for not challenging out
LeBron James was left furious with Lakers coach Darvin Ham for not challenging an out-of-bounds call2024-05-21Tourism sees big boom ahead of May Day holiday
The tourism industry will see a boom "off the scale" during the approaching May Day holida2024-05-21- The 'real-life Martha' from Baby Reindeer bombarded Sir Keir Starmer with almost 300 emails, it has2024-05-21
Harbin's wintry success on display
Domestic and foreign attendees at the opening ceremony of the Harbin-themed exhibition. [Photo/china2024-05-21
atest comment