BEIJING -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature, on Tuesday kicked off a media activity to promote protection of the Yangtze River.

This year's activity will focus on the NPC Standing Committee's legislation and supervision in the areas of water pollution prevention and Yangtze River protection, said Yang Zhenwu, secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee.

Journalists will visit provincial-level regions along the river to report on measures, achievements and difficulties of the Yangtze River protection, said Yang, adding that national lawmakers who have submitted related motions and suggestions will also be invited to participate.

Shen Yueyue, vice chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee, stressed the importance of raising social awareness of environmental protection at the activity's launch meeting.

The first of such activities was initiated in 1993. Over the years, the activities have made important contributions to China's environmental and ecological protection.