China issues circular on Yellow River Protection Law for its dissemination & rigorous enforcement

On April 1, 2023, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a circular on the Yellow River Protection Law¹ for its dissemination and rigorous enforcement. The law, which came into effect April 1, 2023, sets rules for the effective protection of the Yellow River. It includes the following requirements:

1. Give top priority to ecological protection and restoration, with the principle of “priority to protection”.
2. Develop plans as well as management and control systems.
3. Enhance systematic management, comprehensive management and coordinated management throughout the river basin.
4. Enhance pollution control in the river basin.