The Agricultural Development Bank of China announced on Thursday that it has issued loans totaling approximately 2.7 trillion yuan (about $376.7 billion) since 2021 for the conservation of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers. These rivers, often called China’s “mother rivers,” are the largest and second-largest in the country and are considered cradles of Chinese civilization.
Specifically, the policy bank has allocated 2.09 trillion yuan for the protection of the Yangtze River and 605.2 billion yuan for the Yellow River. These loans have significantly supported ecological conservation efforts for both rivers.
While increasing loan support for the conservation projects, the bank is focusing on key areas such as water security, transport infrastructure, rural revitalization, and food security.
In addition, China unveiled a set of guidelines on Thursday to introduce more measures for protecting and managing rivers, improving river ecosystems, and promoting the development of a water-conserving society. By 2035, the country aims to see significant improvements in flood prevention capacity, efficient use of water resources, reliable water supply in urban and rural regions, and overall river ecosystem health.
The guidelines emphasize enhancing water conservation, advancing the construction of a water-saving society, and promoting water-efficient production and lifestyles, reflecting China’s commitment to sustainable development.
