Abstract: Transverse ecological compensation in river basin is an important means to promote high-quality and green development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. While transverse compensation within provinces of the Yangtze River Economic Belt has made rapid progress, compensation between provinces in the main stream and tributaries of the Yangtze River has lagged behind. In an attempt to promote the construction of transverse ecological compensation and optimize the paths of transverse ecological compensation among provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, we systematically examine the progress, theoretical and practical challenges facing the ecological compensation system in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Problems include low awareness among residents, limited scope, single compensation methods, ambiguous standards, and an inadequate supervision and evaluation system system. To address these challenges, we propose that measures should be taken to strengthen institutional support, promote policy, deepen interdepartmental collaboration, establish comprehensive compensation frameworks with multi-party participation, explore market-oriented and diversified compensation methods, and improve the monitoring and post-assessment system.

Key words: Yangtze River Economic Belt, watershed ecological compensation, transverse ecological compensation, comprehensive ecological compensation, high-quality green development