Today the signing ceremony of the foundation for protecting the Mother River is held in Beijing. The first selection and honoring of the "Mother River Award" began at the same time. The "Mother River Award" aims to protect the ecological environment. It is the highest prize established for the young people and individuals in the whole society who devote themselves in the protection and construction of ecological environment in all large and small rivers and lakes. Ten persons will be selected every year. Each person will be awarded RMB20,000.