Snaking thousands of kilometres through the heart of China, the Yangtze has been the cradle of Chinese civilization for millennia. Today, the mighty river and its vast basin are struggling with numerous environmental problems arising from population pressure and rapid economic development. As the first international conservation organization in China, WWF is working to ensure that the Yangtze remains a living river.
Yangtze, China
The Yangtze River is home to some of China's most spectacular natural scenery. Three Gorges, China.
China's Garden of Eden
From its headwaters fed by glaciers on the roof of the world, the Tibetan Plateau, the Yangtze River winds through deep mountain gorges and dense forests eastward to the mouth of the East China Sea.
The region's unique system of rivers and lakes, and mountain forests forms a garden of Eden, marked by rich biodiversity and wildlife.
The rivers support dwindling populations of such rare creatures as the Yangtze's river dolphin, finless porpoise and alligator. The lakes provide critical habitat for migratory birds, including 95% of the wintering Siberian crane population. And the forested mountains jetting out above the river are home to the country's iconic giant panda.
Taming the dragon
While the Yangtze river basin is one of the most significant ecosystems in the world, the region's unique environment is under threat.
Densely populated and heavily industrialized cities have led to high levels of pollution and habitat loss. Deforestation and loss of wetlands to agriculture have increasingly led to floods.
The Yangtze river basin is also threatened by dams, which alter that natural flow of the river.
The rivers support dwindling populations of such rare creatures as the Yangtze's river dolphin, finless porpoise and alligator. The lakes provide critical habitat for migratory birds, including 95% of the wintering Siberian crane population. And the forested mountains jetting out above the river are home to the country's iconic giant panda.
Taming the dragon
While the Yangtze river basin is one of the most significant ecosystems in the world, the region's unique environment is under threat.Densely populated and heavily industrialized cities have led to high levels of pollution and habitat loss. Deforestation and loss of wetlands to agriculture have increasingly led to floods.
The Yangtze river basin is also threatened by dams, which alter that natural flow of the river.
Not just panda protection
Since coming to China in the 1960s to work on panda conservation, WWF is today on the ground in the Yangtze river basin to:- promote sustainable development
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restore floodplains, lakes and wetlands
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protect wildlife habitats and forests
- improve livelihoods of people who have depended on the Yangtze for centuries
Active in the country since 1980, WWF was the first international conservation organization invited to work in China.
Revitalizing Lake Hong
Where is the Yangtze Basin?
The Yangtze Basin is highlighted in green below.
View WWF Critical Regions of the World in a larger map
View WWF Critical Regions of the World in a larger map
Last of the Yangtze River dolphins
Qiqi, the only captive Yangtze River dolphin, which died in July 2002, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Polluted waters, intensive fishing activity and busy shipping traffic along the Yangtze have all contributed to the demise of the Yangtze river dolphin, or baiji (Lipotes vexillifer).
The river dolphin once lived in the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Fuchun River, and in Dongting and Poyang lakes. About 100 were thought to survive in the middle reaches, but a 2006 survey failed to sight any individuals. The baiji is now considered functionally extinct.
The river dolphin once lived in the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Fuchun River, and in Dongting and Poyang lakes. About 100 were thought to survive in the middle reaches, but a 2006 survey failed to sight any individuals. The baiji is now considered functionally extinct.
