New concept in ecological governance of rivers and lakes in China: opportunities and challenges

China's river and lake governance is undergoing a significant shift from engineering-centric approaches to an integrated, basin-scale model that prioritizes ecological sustainability. This transition, driven by institutional innovations and cross-sectoral coordination, has improved water-use efficiency and ecosystem health. However, persistent challenges such as regional water scarcity, emerging pollutants, and governance constraints threaten long-term progress. The study synthesizes historical data, policy documents, and technological advancements to highlight the effectiveness of the 'ecological priority and systematic governance' framework while emphasizing the need for stronger legal frameworks and institutional resilience. These findings offer both theoretical insights for China's water management system and practical lessons for global governance efforts.

Wang, L., Liu, X., Jin, L., Lin, Y., & Jiang, Q. (2026). New concept in ecological governance of rivers and lakes in China: opportunities and challenges. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2026.1790341