The Dongjiang River is a critical natural resource that supports the population of the Pearl Delta. The river provides water to more than 40 million people and six major cities including three economic hotspots: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. The basin covers an area of 35,340 km², contributes 70% of the total GDP of Guangdong Province, and supplies 80% of Hong Kong’s water.

The river has been seriously degraded as a result of high levels of economic growth. Significant discharge of sewage and industrial wastewater has caused significant impacts on the quality and quantity of water in the watershed.

The watersheds protection project was developed and implemented during 2013–2016 to restore this watershed. Partners demonstrated how the private sector and an international conservation organization can work together to solve a major environmental challenge – through sustainable livelihood transformation and creating solutions that benefit the people of the area, the natural ecosystems they depend on, and the economy.