The 2024 China–Laos Joint Event on Law Enforcement and Fish Restocking and Release was held in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, on Oct. 15. The theme of this year’s event was “Share the Same River, Protect the Mother River.” 

A total of 770,000 fish fry, including red-tail catfish, large-scale cyprinid fish, and Chinese mahseer, were released into the water. Following the release, representatives from China and Laos conducted a joint patrol along the river.  

The Lancang–Mekong River, stretching 4,900 kilometers, is one of freshwater rivers with greatest biodiversity worldwide. China and Laos are actively implementing the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation mechanism and have jointly carried out the event on law enforcement and fish restocking and release 16 times over 10 consecutive years. To date, a total of 4.235 million local fish fry, including red-tail catfish, large-scale cyprinid fish, and Chinese mahseer, have been released into the river. Through comprehensive cooperation in aquatic resource conservation and law enforcement, China and Laos have significantly promoted the conservation and recovery of aquatic resources in the Lancang–Mekong River.  

The event was attended by officials from relevant departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yunnan Province, and Xishuangbanna Prefecture, as well as officials from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry of Luang Namtha Province of Laos. Additionally, Lao students studying in China, environmental volunteers from Xishuangbanna, and community representatives participated in the activities.