Developing river ethics: Advancing the understanding of water governance principles and promoting the modernization of water governance systems and capabilities

Abstract

River ethics, a significant advancement inspired by Chinese President XI Jinping’s ecological civilization thought, embodies the philosophical essence of river governance and represents a legacy of innovation by generations of water resources professionals. Rooted in river ecology, it offers a framework for advancing modern water governance systems and capabilities. This paper examines eight dimensions of river ethics to provide actionable recommendations: enhancing knowledge systems on water, rivers, and lakes; addressing critical challenges in water governance to strengthen the foundational role of water authorities in ensuring water security, resource management, ecological sustainability and environmental protection; optimizing water project planning to mitigate ecological impacts; ensuring high standards in the lifecycle management of water projects; refining water diversion strategies for precise scheduling; utilizing ecosystem complexity for river and lake restoration; implementing tiered management of water-related disasters; and driving reforms to modernize water governance systems and mechanisms.

Keywords

ecosystem restoration / high-quality development of water systems / river ecology / river ethics / water governance

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2025 The Author(s). River published by Wiley-VCH GmbH on behalf of China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR).