Dr. HAO Yujiang, head of the IHB Yangtze Finless Porpoise Breeding and Research Center and deputy secretary-general of the WBCF, delivered a keynote science lecture. (Credit: IHB)

A new chapter in ecological education began on December 10 as the Chishui No. 2 Primary School in Guizhou Province was officially designated as the nation's first Demonstration School for Protecting Rare Fish of the Upper Yangtze River. Led by the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this initiative marks the westward expansion of a conservation education model that first began in Wuhan.

During the signing ceremony, the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation (WBCF) entered into a formal partnership with the Chishui No. 2 Primary School and the Chishui Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Dr. HAO Yujiang, head of the IHB Yangtze Finless Porpoise Breeding and Research Center and deputy secretary-general of the WBCF, delivered a keynote science lecture.

The Demonstration School model follows a core philosophy: educate one child, inspire one family, and influence the entire community. By teaching younger generations about aquatic biodiversity, the program aims to cultivate future guardians of the Yangtze ecosystem. This educational framework began in 2017 with the establishment of Finless Porpoise Demonstration Schools in the middle reaches of the river, later expanding to the southeast coast for the protection of Chinese white dolphins.

The move into the Chishui River marks a significant milestone. As the only first-level tributary of the upper Yangtze that maintains its natural flow without dams, the Chishui River serves as the "final sanctuary" for many rare and endemic fish species. Following a comprehensive fishing ban implemented in 2017, the river has seen a remarkable recovery in biodiversity. In April of this year, IHB researchers documented the first successful natural spawning of Yangtze sturgeon from captive-bred parents released into the wild, proving that the river's ecological functions are successfully restoring.

By establishing this new school in the upper reaches, the IHB and its partners have completed an educational "closed loop" that spans from the river mouth to the headwaters. This holistic approach creates a panorama of ecological protection covering multiple flagship species across the entire river basin.

Local officials noted that Chishui, a city famous for its revolutionary history, is now becoming a leader in ecological civilization. The demonstration school is seen as a practical application of the "Green is Gold" philosophy, ensuring that the seeds of environmental stewardship are planted in the hearts of the next generation on this historic land.

During the signing ceremony, the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation (WBCF) entered into a formal partnership with the Chishui No. 2 Primary School and the Chishui Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. (Credit: IHB)