As dusk settled over Shandong’s Ju County, river manager Zuo Ruili navigated his fishing boat through the Dianzi River section, methodically clearing invasive aquatic plants. The 48-year-old’s sun-weathered skin testified to four years of thrice-daily patrols where he removes floating debris and reports complex issues to district authorities. His work exemplifies the county’s comprehensive water protection system covering 58 rivers and 213 reservoirs.
Reinventing River Management
Ju County has implemented an innovative “River Chief + Corporate Management” model, assigning 1,149 officials across county, township and village levels while contracting maintenance to state-owned enterprises. This year’s 1.2 million yuan investment provided administrators with specialized equipment including amphibious mowers and patrol boats, transforming previously fragmented oversight into coordinated protection. The system has reduced bureaucratic overlap by 40% while improving response times.
Citizen Science Revolution
The county’s “Clear Water Points” app has mobilized over 110,000 residents in ecological monitoring, converting environmental reports into redeemable lifestyle benefits. Participants have logged 150,000 patrol kilometers since launch, with user-reported issues resolving 89% faster than official inspections alone. “What began as reward points now drives genuine civic engagement,” explained Zhang Honglu of the River Chief Office.
Restoring the Mother River
Focusing on the 76.5-kilometer Shu River which drains 94% of the county, officials have standardized 440 discharge points while advancing two landmark projects: the 84 million yuan Sangyuan Beixi Wetland restoration (completing December 2023) and a 507 million yuan embankment reinforcement. These complement a 1.34 billion yuan comprehensive upgrade creating flood defenses rated for 50-year storms in urban zones.
Measurable Ecological Gains
The initiatives have yielded tangible results – six provincial-level “Beautiful Rivers,” 20 municipal-classified water bodies, and 100% compliance at drinking water sources. Air quality improvements (4.77 composite index, +1.6% YoY) complement aquatic achievements through focused pollution controls. As County Head Li Weimin noted at August’s environmental conference: “Ecological civilization isn’t abstract; it’s measured in clean rivers, blue skies, and community participation.”
This integrated approach has positioned Ju County as a national model, demonstrating how systemic governance combined with grassroots engagement can deliver environmental transformation.
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