To help counter the environmental damage to Baiyangdian Lake in north China, the Asian Development Bank is providing a loan of USD100 million for the USD273 million Integrated Ecosystem and Water Resources Management in the Baiyangdian Basin Project, which will focus on the critical actions to conserve Baiyangdian Lake — one of the most important and vulnerable ecosystems in China.

Through a range of interventions, the project will help alleviate ecosystem constraints in the basin by improving water quality and quantity. Additionally, the project will include training for ecosystem management and eco-tourism. Development of non-timber forest products will also be encouraged.

Akmal Siddiq, Natural Resources Economist of ADB's East Asia Department, said: "The project will demonstrate an innovative integrated ecosystem and water resources management approach to improve the environmental condition in the Baiyangdain Basin. The ecosystem in the lake is constantly at risk."

The Project will also engage in a wide range of sub-projects that will improve wastewater treatment plants, water supply systems, urban flood management, comprehensive water management, and solid waste management in the basin which covers 31,500 square kilometers. In addition, staff and institutional capacity will be strengthened through various training programs.

Called both "Pearl of North China" and the "Kidney of North China", Baiyangdian Lake has a total area of 366 square kilometers. It is home to 36 lake villages and 62 lakeside villages with a population of 200,000. It is the largest fresh water lake and wetland in north China, and plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem there. Now Baiyangdian Lake and the ecosystem it supports are at constant risk from falling water levels, soil erosion and wastewater runoff.