Wang Changlin, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on January 5 that the “Three-Year Action Plan for Further Strengthening the Comprehensive Protection of the Yangtze River” outlines key tasks for the period from 2025 to 2027 in areas such as water pollution control and the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems. Wang Changlin noted that over the past year, significant progress has been made across all fronts. This includes the introduction and implementation of a series of key policy measures. More than 100 billion yuan in funds—including ultra-long-term special government bonds and central budgetary investments—has been allocated to support projects for the comprehensive protection of the Yangtze River, such as the ecological restoration of key rivers and lakes, the remediation of urban black and odorous water bodies, and energy conservation and carbon reduction in key industries and sectors. An implementation plan for deepening the construction of a cross-regional ecological compensation mechanism for major rivers was issued, clarifying the establishment of a unified cross-regional ecological compensation mechanism for the Yangtze River mainstem. (China.org.cn)