IHB and the Xingshan County Government held a seminar at the Xiangxi River Ecosystem Research Station in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region on Feb. 19, 2025. (Credit: IHB)

On February 19, 2025, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Xingshan County Government held a seminar at the Xiangxi River Ecosystem Research Station in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region. The meeting was attended by key officials from Xingshan County. The two parties discussed cooperation on topics such as supporting local economic development, open-sharing initiatives, facility maintenance, and enhancing research capabilities. 

XU Jun，deputy director of the institute, provided an update on the institute's platform construction plans, highlighting recent progress and key achievements. Meanwhile, YE Lin, deputy director of the Xiangxi River Station, presented an overview of the station's research capabilities and its strategic location. Ye also shared practical examples of research services supporting local development, including ecological impact assessments for small hydropower projects and algae bloom management. 

The seminar resulted in several key agreements. The research station will leverage its existing facilities to establish a science, education, and research hub, blending academic exchange with eco-tourism to support the development of Xingshan County’s cultural and tourism brand. Collaborative efforts with local enterprises will focus on environmental protection technologies to overcome industry challenges and promote green transformation. 

Additionally, IHB will provide technical support for key local industries, including sturgeon farming, fish disease control, and the development of ecological monitoring indicators for the reservoir area. These efforts will align with the broader goals of the Yangtze River Protection Strategy, exploring ways to integrate ecological conservation with economic growth for sustainable development.

This collaboration marks an important step toward integrating scientific research with local development and serves as a model for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

IHB and the Xingshan County Government held a seminar at the Xiangxi River Ecosystem Research Station in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region on Feb. 19, 2025. (Credit: IHB)