By Chang Jiwen, Research Institute of Resources and Environment Policies, DRC; Zhang Jianhong, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation

Research Report, No.14, 2021 (Total 6079) 2021-2-3

Abstract: Since the launch of the National Water Pollution Control and Treatment Project in 2007 (hereinafter referred to as the project), proactive efforts have been made on major issues of water ecological and environmental protection relating to national strategy and people’s livelihood. By exploring a nationwide system featuring science and technology and major innovation, China has strengthened its capacity building in terms of scientific research, administration and decision-making. Owing to these efforts, it has realized the promotion, application and localized production of key technology and equipment, which have significantly reduced pollution volume, improved water quality, ensured the safety of drinking water, underpinned the transformation of economic and social development pattern and enhanced the capability of scientific research in meeting the demand of national major strategies. Its short-term goal has been achieved or will be achieved since the beginning of the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010). The project mentioned above has played a crucial role in improving China’s water quality at a speed faster than developed countries. In line with the targets of building a beautiful China and the 14th Five-Year Plan, further efforts are needed to establish more special water quality improvement projects until the end of 2035. And on the basis of experience gained in the initial period including promoting the institutional mechanism for innovation and cooperation and combining the mid- and long-term goals at different phases, work needs to be done to further enhance the organizational and management system, cultivate a mechanism for collaboration between government-industry-academia-research-market players, advance the transformation, promotion and application of research findings, flesh out the connectivity between tasks at different stages and the linkage of pilot projects at their later periods.

Keywords: the National Water Pollution Control and Treatment Project, achievements, problems, experience, countermeasures