Zhou Jinfeng: A Reflection on Plastic Linings in Chinese Northern River Channels - Thoughts on Natural Philosophy in Water Governance

 

The extensive use of plastic linings in urban river channels and wetlands in northern China, often framed as so called "ecological restoration" or "environmental management," has long been a cause for my concern. This approach, intended to prevent water seepage and ensure the stability of surface water features, has raised questions and has made me deeply concerned, as it may very well amount to seeking fish up a tree, or worse.

Liangma River, Beijing  @cbcgdf

For instance, one can maintain a fish tank at home, but it's hardly natural. Should northern cities opt for man-made water features? I believe they should not. The use of plastic linings, while ensuring the stability of surface water in urban river channels, severs the natural connections between the riverbed's ecosystem and the water, as well as between the riverbed and the groundwater. This can lead to a range of issues, such as the withering of aquatic vegetation, the loss of wildlife habitats, and deteriorating water quality. It contradicts our commitment to protecting ecological balance and biodiversity.

In my perspective, allowing water to naturally infiltrate (without the use of plastic linings) has several significant benefits:

1. It helps recharge groundwater resources, alleviating the survival crisis of underground life and the ecological crisis in northern areas.

2. It can address urban flooding problems. Many northern urban areas have heavily paved surfaces, making natural water infiltration vital for managing excess water.

3. Embracing a natural flow, riverbeds drying up is a normal occurrence. In an example I witnessed in Beijing's Daxing district, a river dried up naturally, leading to the flourishing growth of wild plants within the riverbed. The natural environment gradually improved, serving as a commendable case to follow.

Liangma River, Beijing  @cbcgdf

[Nature Philosophy in Water Governance]

In the northern regions of China, water scarcity is a prevalent reality. The climate in this area is characterized by dry and semi-arid conditions, with limited precipitation, while the demand for water resources continues to grow. Due to the high population density and rapid economic development, the supply-demand imbalance of water resources is becoming increasingly pronounced. In this context, it is surprising that in many places, the approach to ecological management is the creation of new water features, such as artificial landscapes.

In fact, this is a common practice, and it is exemplified by the case of Yinchuan, which received the distinction of being one of the world's first "International Wetland Cities" in 2018. I was genuinely surprised by this because Yinchuan's water resources are not abundant. The city receives an average annual rainfall of less than 200 millimeters, with its primary water sources being the Yellow River and groundwater. The per capita available water resources amount to just 960 cubic meters, far below average. In my opinion, this city should not have applied for the title of an "International Wetland City." However, such situations are increasingly common.

I believe that we need to strengthen our understanding of the concept of "water in its natural state" and adopt more nature-based solutions to address water resource challenges in a sustainable manner.

We must avoid launching extensive ecological projects in water-scarce northern regions, constructing one artificial river after another, and establishing lakes. These actions constitute severe ecological disruption because water is a precious resource that should be diligently protected. By constructing artificial lakes and using plastic linings, we repeatedly disrupt the ecosystem. Plastic linings obstruct the natural exchange of energy and life between water and soil and damage the vital microorganisms and organisms that inhabit the soil-water interface. This is not ecological restoration; it's ecological destruction.

True ecological engineering involves restoration – the effort to return ecosystems to their natural state. Several well-known wetland parks, despite investing vast sums and consulting numerous experts, have often gone astray because they focus solely on the surface water and neglect the essence of wetlands. They fail to recognize the importance of wetlands in retaining life, natural regulation, and their crucial ecological functions.

Furthermore, given the global environmental crisis stemming from plastic pollution, this issue warrants even more attention. Therefore, I firmly oppose the use of plastic linings in urban river channel restoration. Whenever possible, we should prioritize the restoration of natural ecosystems, striving to protect the delicate balance of nature and enabling river channels and wetlands to regain their natural ecological equilibrium.

(Please note that this article represents the author's views and does not necessarily reflect the platform's perspective.)

Narrator: ZHOU Jinfeng

Translator：Littlejane

Editor: Samantha

Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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