On December 19, 2022, the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) successfully concluded in Montreal, Canada. During the event, China's achievements in biodiversity conservation, including protection of aquatic animals in the Yangtze River, were showcased through the launch of the China Pavilion. 

The Yangtze River is the mother river of the Chinese nation. Its rich and unique biodiversity resources are a natural heritage worthy of the common care from all mankind. Protecting the Yangtze River means advancing ecological civilization and building a shared future for all lives on the earth. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that the fishing ban on the Yangtze River is a crucial decision to "plan for the overall development and for future generations." China has therefore decided to enforce a 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River.

Since January 1, 2020, China has implemented the fishing moratorium in key river waters, with 111,000 fishing boats and 231,000 fishermen withdrawn from the fishing business to help the Yangtze River recuperate. According to recent news released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Yangtze finless porpoise, an iconic species of the Yangtze River known as the "Smiling Angel" for its mouth fixed in a permanent grin, has been seen more frequently due to the strengthened protection of the Yangtze River. This demonstrates the remarkable results of the biodiversity conservation of the river.

A bird's-eye view of the Qutangxia Gorge, the first of the Three Gorges encountered when cruising downstream along the Yangtze River. [Photo/VCG]