Work

Developing river ethics: Advancing the understanding of water governance principles and promoting the modernization of water governance systems and capabilities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: River ethics, a significant advancement inspired by Chinese President XI Jinping's ecological civilization thought, embodies the philosophical essence of river governance and represents a legacy of innovation by generations of water resources professionals. Rooted in river ecology, it offers a framework for advancing modern water governance systems and capabilities. This paper examines eight dimensions of river ethics to provide actionable recommendations: enhancing knowledge systems on water, rivers, and lakes; addressing critical challenges in water governance to strengthen the foundational role of water authorities in ensuring water security, resource management, ecological sustainability and environmental protection; optimizing water project planning to mitigate ecological impacts; ensuring high standards in the lifecycle management of water projects; refining water diversion strategies for precise scheduling; utilizing ecosystem complexity for river and lake restoration; implementing tiered management of water‐related disasters; and driving reforms to modernize water governance systems and mechanisms.

Source: River

DOI: 10.1002/rvr2.115

Authors: Yunchang Zhang, Bo Liu, Yang Ding, Jinyong Zhao, Chang Li

Institutions: Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China, Tsinghua University, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Science and Water Management

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200