A symposium on March 25 in Yinchuan, Ningxia, gathered over 70 experts and scholars to explore innovative strategies for soil erosion control on the Loess Plateau and sediment reduction in the Qingshui River Basin.
Participants included representatives from the Chinese Society of Soil and Water Conservation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and various water resources departments.
More than 10 experts presented on key topics such as ecological construction for soil and water conservation on the Loess Plateau, sediment reduction, technological innovation, strengthening ecological security in the Northwest, and Qingshui River management.
The Qingshui River flows through the southern mountainous region and central arid zone of Ningxia, covering a basin area of nearly 15,000 square kilometers. Recent systematic management efforts in Ningxia have reduced the annual sediment flow into the Yellow River from a peak of 122 million metric tons to 25 million tons.
Experts commended Ningxia for its significant achievements in controlling soil erosion and reducing sediment in the Qingshui River Basin. They highlighted Ningxia's successful practices as valuable lessons for managing soil erosion on the Loess Plateau, serving as a model for other regions.
Cao Wenhong, former Chief Engineer of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, said, "While building on traditional small watershed management models, we must enhance the value of ecological products derived from soil and water conservation. Given the brackish nature of much of the Qingshui River Basin's water, capturing and utilizing low-salinity water during flood seasons is a key technical goal."
Li Kewen, president of the Ningxia Society of Soil and Water Conservation, stressed the importance of integrating the latest achievements, strategies, and insights from leaders and experts. He underscored the need for scientific evaluation and systematic planning to address severe soil erosion and the imbalance between water and sediment in the Loess Plateau and Qingshui River.