A tripartite strategic cooperation agreement was signed between IHB, Jiangxi Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve Administration and WBCF on  December 12, 2021. (Credit: IHB)

A tripartite strategic cooperation agreement was signed on December 12, 2021 to break new ground for integrating research, conservation, and science popularization of the Yangtze finless porpoise in the Poyang Lake, and enhance a harmonious development between aquatic biodiversity, water ecological protection and social economy.   

The agreement was signed between the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangxi Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve Administration and Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation (WBCF).    

As one of the most professional research institutions for studying and conserving freshwater fish and finless porpoise, IHB has been cooperating with the local governments and nature reserves in Jiangxi Province, and will continue to do so.   

“In partnership, we'll share in-depth information on S&T and intellectual resources, provide services like surveys and evaluations of aquatic biological resources, plan and build smart aquatic reserves, and exchange scientific and technological talents”, said XIE Shouqi, deputy director of IHB.    

Since many non-government porpoise protection associations have sprung up in the recent years, the guidance and management of the non-governmental organizations in Poyang Lake will be crucial in protecting the Yangtze River porpoise in the lake.   

“Protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise is to protect the Poyang Lake, and protect the Yangtze River. Protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise is an important starting point for the entire Yangtze River Protection Plan”, said WANG Ding, secretary general of the WBCF, a foundation established in 1996 to protect the Yangtze finless porpoise.   

The Yangtze Finless Porpoise Science and Education Exhibition Center was unveiled on the same day in the Jiangxi Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve. Carlos Watson, FAO Representative to China, attended the unveiling ceremony.  

The Yangtze Finless Porpoise Science and Education Exhibition Center was unveiled on December 12, 2021. (Credit: IHB)