Water environment protection of the four-lake watershed via integrated management

摘要

The Four-lake watershed (FLW) is an important area in Hubei province in China. In the last few decades, due to the impacts of population growth, industrial development, inadequate and aging water infrastructure, and pollutions, its environment state has been deteriorating. FLW has also been suffering from flooding whenever the Yangtze River overflows or water-logging problem during heavy rainfall. In view of these problems, to ensure the future sustainable development of the FLW socially and economically, the Hubei provincial government formally implemented an integrated management and control strategy for the Hong-hu Lake of FLW, which includes returning reclaimed lands to lakes, proper treatment of industrial and municipal wastes before discharging to receiving water bodies, planting of floating grasses, increasing fish species and population, and active participation of its residents. Three years after implementing the integrated management, there is a clear evidence of ecological recovery and restoration of the environmental integrity of the Hong-hu Lake of FLW.