Background The middle section of Yanshan Mountains is an important water source and water conservation area of Beijing. The quality of its ecological environment directly affects the safety of water sources in Beijing. The purpose of this research is to explore the construction characteristics and governance models of eco-clean small watersheds in the middle section of Yanshan Mountains, and to provide reasonable suggestions for further promoting the construction of eco-clean small watersheds in the region.

Methods Taking Anchungou small watershed as an example, this paper focused on the analysis of small watershed construction objectives, the layout of governance measures and specific governance measures. Then the paper analyzed the application of Beijing standard and landscape ecology theory and near-natural governance principles in small watershed construction. Finally, the paper summarized the characteristics of eco-clean small watershed construction in the middle section of Yanshan Mountains from several aspects, such as the formulation of construction objectives, the application of landscape ecology theory, near-natural governance, encouraging public participation, and the integration of Mountains-Rivers-Forests-Farmlands-Lakes-Grasslands.

Results Anchungou small watershed is located in the middle section of Yanshan Mountains, northwest of Luanping county, Hebei province, with a watershed area of 115.2 km². The analysis results show that: 1) Anchungou small watershed is based on Beijing standards and combined with local conditions to formulate construction goals, which meets the development needs of the small watershed in the middle section of Yanshan Mountains. 2) The construction of Anchungou small watershed pays attention to the landscape and implements near-natural management according to local conditions, which improves the landscape pattern of the watershed while improving the ecological environment. 3) The construction of Anchungou small watershed has formed a comprehensive management system through measures such as closure management, water and soil conservation forests, terraces, village beautification, and wetland restoration. 4) The goals of controlling soil erosion, protecting and using water and soil resources in the basin, and coordinated development of population, resources and environment have been achieved.

Conclusions The construction of eco-clean small watershed in the middle section of Yanshan Mountains should be based on Beijing standards. and combined with local conditions and the principle of landscape ecology to carry out near-natural management of landscape forests and lakes in the watershed, and construct a comprehensive protection system for points, lines and surfaces. Ultimately, the purpose has been achieved that preventing soil erosion, protecting water sources, improving the ecological environment of the river basin, and enhancing the landscape pattern of the river basin.