Science and Technology Daily | Highlighting the achievements of ecological civilization: the eighth batch of national ecological environment science popularization bases was announced

As the first National Ecological Day on August 15 draws near, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Ministry of Science and Technology have unveiled the eighth batch of national ecological environment science popularization bases. This batch comprises a total of 37 bases, and notable selections include the China Water Environment's Shanghai Jiading Nanxiang Sunken Reclaimed Water Plant and the Surface Water Environment Science Museum of Qingshan Sunken Reclaimed Water Plant Project in Guiyang.

Publicity list on the official website of Ministry of Ecology and Environment

The National Ecological Environment Science Popularization Base, endorsed by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Ministry of Science and Technology, holds a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge on ecological environment science and technology to the public. It serves as a crucial platform for promoting the accomplishments of ecological civilization construction and elevating the overall ecological, scientific, and cultural awareness of the populace. This base sets an example in conducting diverse social, mass, and regular science outreach initiatives, establishing itself as a key component of science popularization with distinct national characteristics.

Both the CPC Central Committee and the State Council prioritize the dissemination of scientific knowledge. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that scientific and technological innovation, alongside popularization, act as dual drivers for achieving innovation and development. Scientific popularization deserves an equal and significant standing as technological innovation. Leveraging the demonstrative and brand effects of the national environmental protection science popularization base, there is an active encouragement to prompt scientific research institutions, universities, and enterprises to establish environmental protection science popularization bases. These bases should be open to the public without charge and offer various public science activities so as to maximize the utilization of public resources at large.

The Guiyang Water Environment Science Museum, a chosen establishment, was designed and constructed by China Water Environment. It is currently operated and managed by the Guiyang River and Lake Protection Center. This museum stands as the inaugural public-access popular science education hub in Guiyang, focusing on water science and technology, water culture, and environmental protection. It is open to the public free of charge and serves as both an environmental publicity and education base and a water-saving education base for the entire Guizhou Province. Spanning approximately 22,400 square meters in total, the museum hall occupies around 1,600 square meters, while the ground-level living water landscape park encompasses an area of about 18,000 square meters.

Above-ground Guiyang Water Environment Science Museum of Qingshan Reclaimed Water Plant in Guiyang

The first sunken reclaimed water plant in Guiyang, known as the Qingshan Reclaimed Water Plant of China Water Environment, operates beneath the Science Museum. The treated reclaimed water serves as replenishment water for landscape parks, achieving sewage resource utilization, water resources conservation, and land efficiency. Additionally, it plays a vital role in water environment protection and serves as a platform for water ecological science and technology education and display.

Guiyang Water Environment Science Museum conductedwater-saving knowledge research activities

Since its inauguration in 2016, the Guiyang Water Environment Science Museum has received over 100,000 visitors, including individuals from various social organizations, local residents, and students. The museum employs innovative elements such as sound, light, shadow, and electricity effects, including popular science movies and interactive facilities. Coupled with the underground reclaimed water plant, this creates an immersive and contagious display effect for popularizing water knowledge. Notably, the Qingshan Reclaimed Water Plant has earned recognition, being chosen as one of the top ten open units with environmental protection facilities by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment in 2023. It also holds the designation of the National Water Regime Education Base by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Night view of Shanghai Jiading Nanxiang Sunken Reclaimed Water Plant

With continuous enhancements in display capabilities, innovation, and management practices, the National Ecological Environment Science Popularization Base has become a primary destination for the public to explore and acquire knowledge about environmental protection science. The Shanghai Jiading Nanxiang Sinking Reclaimed Water Plant, a project by the China Water Environment, stands out as Shanghai's inaugural demonstration project for sunken reclaimed water plants. The living water landscape park and the first water environment science education center, which integrates publicity, science popularization, and education in East China, are constructed on the factory area's grounds. The park's water system and the expansive ecological lake, spanning over 20,000 square meters, utilize high-quality reclaimed water, earning the title of "the most beautiful water plant in China." This not only offers residents a picturesque leisure destination but also serves as a crucial element in promoting the science and display of water ecological technology.

Shanghai Jiading Nanxiang Water Environment Science Museum

The public visited Shanghai Jiading Nanxiang Water Environment Science Museum

Among them, the Shanghai Jiading Water Environment Science Museum spans approximately 3,000 square meters. Since its inauguration in 2018, it has received more than 500 visits, attracting over 10,000 visitors both online and offline. With a focus on popularizing water knowledge, water resources utilization, and protection, the museum showcases cutting-edge sewage treatment technology, urban water resources planning, and construction. By conveying the principles of ecological environmental protection and sustainable development, the museum encourages the public to embrace water-saving practices and cherish water, with the goal of sparking public enthusiasm for actively engaging in the conservation efforts for lucid waters and lush mountains. The factory achieved recognition as one of the Top Ten Open Units with Environmental Protection Facilities in 2022 and was designated as the Shanghai Science Popularization Base for 2023-2024.