Since the resumption of China Certified Emission Reduction(CCER) trading in 2024

various forms of carbon sink trading projects have been actively explored across China. Rivers and lakes perform both vertical and lateral carbon transport functions and constitute important carbon reservoirs. Taking the river and lake carbon sink transaction in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River in Nanping

Fujian Province

as a case study

this paper systematically examines the transaction process in terms of carbon sink accounting

identification of transaction participants

transaction methods

and the use of transaction proceeds. It further summarizes the major issues associated with carbon sink accounting and trading and proposes recommendations for establishing and improving the river and lake carbon sink trading market. The findings are intended to provide decision-making support for establishing a value-conversion chain linking river and lake governance

carbon sink products

and market transactions

realizing the value of river and lake ecological products

and advancing the development of happy rivers and lakes.