Shanghai andZhejiangandJiangsuprovinces are to form a water resource preservation system, with each taking turns to monitor key water areas within the Yangtze River Delta region.

Officials say the plan aims to treat water areas as anecosystem to be protected by coordinated efforts, facilitating green integration within the region.

Measures such as joint control and data sharing will be implemented for a selected 47 border rivers and lakes, most of them betweenQingpuDistrict in Shanghai,JiashanCounty inZhejiangandJiangsu’s WujiangDistrict.

By the end of this year, relative standards will first be set up forTaipu River and Dianshan,Yuandangand Fen lakes.

The three local governments will shift duties once a year with responsibility for the daily management of water areas.

Joint inspections of sewage systems and facilities are also required. A data sharing platform will be established to ensure long-term maintenance and supervision.

In the future, more actions will be taken focusing on water resources, environment and ecology to promote the cooperative management strategy.