| Project Detail |
The proposed project continues to enhance institutional strengthening and long-term engagement in the lake basin based on the experience gained through a previous Asian Development Bank (ADB)-financed investment project. It will demonstrate ecosystem-based management and climate-resilient development in Chao Lake basin by strengthening institutional capacity and knowledge for integrated lake basin management, establishing a digital Chao Lake decision support system, piloting an innovative climate-resilient investment fund through a financial intermediation loan (FIL) component and an eco-compensation mechanism, and implementing low-carbon solutions to enhance water quality and ecological restoration. The project will improve the ecosystem health and benefit 2.85 million people living in the basin area. Project activities can be replicated in other provinces in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and regional member countries of the ADB.
Project Name Anhui Chao Lake Environmental Rehabilitation Project (Phase 2)
Project Number 55048-001
Country / Economy China, Peoples Republic of
Project Status Approved
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
The proposed project continues to enhance institutional strengthening and long-term engagement in the lake basin based on the experience gained through a previous Asian Development Bank (ADB)-financed investment project. It will demonstrate ecosystem-based management and climate-resilient development in Chao Lake basin by strengthening institutional capacity and knowledge for integrated lake basin management, establishing a digital Chao Lake decision support system, piloting an innovative climate-resilient investment fund through a financial intermediation loan (FIL) component and an eco-compensation mechanism, and implementing low-carbon solutions to enhance water quality and ecological restoration. The project will improve the ecosystem health and benefit 2.85 million people living in the basin area. Project activities can be replicated in other provinces in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and regional member countries of the ADB.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy Chao Lake is the fifth largest freshwater lake in the PRC. Situated in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin, the lake has a total basin area of 13,544.7 square kilometers and a surface area of 780 square kilometers. Chao Lake is a natural u-shaped shallow lake with an average depth of 3.18 meters and 33 tributaries. The Yuxi River is the only outflowing river connecting to the Yangtze River. The upper reaches of the lake are surrounded by the Dabie mountain in the west, the Jianghuai watershed in the north, and the Chuhe river valley in the northeast. The Chao Lake basin area has a total population of 11.8 million, of which over 60% are living in rural areas. Hefei is the largest prefectural-level city and accounts for 54% of the total basin area. Chao Lake is a vital ecoregion in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). The lake provides ecosystem services, including drinking water, freshwater for agriculture, fishing, industry, transport, recreation, and tourism. The lake serves as habitat to a large variety of aquatic biota and wetlands including 46 endemic species. The northern forest areas near the Jianghuai hills are a buffer for soil erosion control, climate regulation, and water-related risks. The lake is recognized as a key region in national policies including within the 14th Five-Year Plan for Comprehensive Water Environment Management Plan for Key River Basins. Effective management of Chao Lake is of critical importance for its preservation as a beneficial resource for humans and nature.
Impact
Ecological resilience and rural livelihoods enhanced in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Plan, 20162030) |
