Search Results (120)

As agricultural heritage systems provide crucial ecosystem service functions, conducting functional zoning serves as a fundamental and essential approach to implementing the ecological civilization strategy and promoting targeted conservation and sustainable utilization. Taking the Mountain Spring Water Fish Farming System in Kaihua, Zhejiang, a site recognized as a China-Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage System, as a case study, this research integrates the equivalent factor method and the Self-Organizing Map neural network clustering method to evaluate ecosystem service values, identify ecosystem service clusters, and conduct ecological functional zoning. Protection and utilization strategies are subsequently proposed for each functional zone. The results show the following findings: (1) From 2005 to 2020, the total ecosystem service value of the system exhibited a fluctuating yet overall declining trend, decreasing by approximately 0.25%; (2) five ecosystem service clusters were identified, within which services generally showed synergistic relationships, while trade-offs were mainly concentrated between food provision and other ecosystem services; (3) based on these findings, the study area was divided into five functional zones—the Heritage Culture Core Zone, the Ecological Restoration and Conservation Priority Zone, the Industrial Integration and Development Zone, the Ecological–Industrial Transition and Optimization Zone, and the Multi-Value Protection and Exploration Zone. Specific protection and utilization strategies were proposed for each zone. This study provides a novel theoretical perspective and practical reference for rational ecological functional zoning, as well as the protection and sustainable use of agricultural heritage systems. Full article

In recent years, guided by the sustainable development strategy and ecological civilization strategy, the concept of green environmental protection has gradually become popular. Increasingly, enterprises are enhancing their environmental investment practices after recognizing the importance of environmental protection. From the perspective of enterprise groups, improving the environmental investment efficiency of enterprises is of great significance for boosting sustainable development and optimizing resource allocation. Based on a research sample of listed companies in China’s heavy pollution industry from 2003 to 2020, this paper theoretically analyzes the impact of enterprise groups on environmental investment efficiency and the corresponding influence mechanisms. This paper finds that enterprise groups play a significantly positive role in promoting environmental investment efficiency. Further research indicates that this improvement primarily stems from two key aspects: On the one hand, the capital market within the enterprise group effectively alleviates the financing constraints in environmental investment. On the other hand, environmental investment efficiency is improved by optimizing innovation resources. In addition, the study identified two important moderating factors: firm executive characteristics and the degree of regional environmental regulation. This research enriches the existing research results regarding organizational management theory and the environmental investment efficiency of enterprises and provides theoretical and empirical references for promoting sustainable socio-economic development and the green transformation of enterprises. Full article

Establishing a mechanism for ecological product value realizing (EPVR) is a critical component of China’s ecological civilization strategy, aimed at translating the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” into actionable economic policies. Although central government investments in the form of project for EPVR have increased significantly, surpassing CNY 700 billion by 2024, studies rarely focus on these projects and how to evaluate them. Evaluating the performance of EPVR projects is essential for optimizing resource allocation, enhancing project accountability, and ensuring the sustainable realization of ecological, economic, and social values. This study innovatively defines the conceptual connotation of EPVR projects and constructs a comprehensive performance evaluation system based on a “benefit-cost” analysis, comprising a multi-dimensional indicator system, quantifiable calculation methods, and explicit evaluation criteria. As water source protection projects are typical EPVR projects, the comprehensive water environment management project of Hongfeng Lake is selected for an in-depth empirical study. The results reveal that (1) the total annual benefits amount to CNY 923.66 million, dominated by ecological benefits (84.04%); (2) with an investment of CNY 1194.66 million, the project yields a net loss and a moderate performance index (PCPI = 0.77); (3) the project performance is primarily affected by weak economic value conversion stemming from restrictive zoning policies and underdeveloped market mechanisms for ecological services; and (4) integrated development pathways—such as ecotourism, eco-aquaculture, and ecological branding—are proposed to enhance the long-term sustainability of the project. The Hongfeng Lake case establishes a replicable framework for global assessment of analogous projects and delivers actionable insights for enhancing benefit–cost ratios in public ecological initiatives, with costs confined to data collection, modeling, and validation. Therefore, this study contributes a quantifiable and reproducible tool for the full lifecycle management of EPVR projects, thereby facilitating more informed government decision-making. Key findings reveal the following: (1) A comprehensive “Benefit-Cost” performance evaluation framework, pioneered in this study and tailored specifically for individual EPVR projects, surpasses regional-scale accounting methodologies like Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP). (2) A novel consolidated metric (PCPI) is introduced to integrate ecological, economic, and social dimensions with cost input, thus enabling direct cross-project comparison and classification. (3) The framework operationalizes evaluation by providing a detailed, adaptable indicator system with explicit monetization methods for 26 distinct benefits, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical value accounting and practical project assessment. (4) The empirical application to a drinking water source protection project addresses a critical yet understudied category of EPVR projects, offering insights into “protection-oriented” models. Full article

Achieving climate neutrality in construction requires more than available low-carbon technologies; it also depends on informed demand and consumers’ willingness to adopt sustainable materials. This paper examines ecological awareness, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward eco-friendly building materials in Poland, using four independent waves of a nationwide online survey (CAWI) conducted in 2023 and 2025 (N ≈ 1000 per wave; adults aged 18–80). The questionnaires measured environmental awareness; willingness to pay a price premium (WTP) for properties built with eco-materials; actual purchasing behavior during renovations; support for regulations mandating developers’ use of ecological materials; and key socio-demographic factors. While the results confirm a pronounced attitude–behavior gap, the article details the research design and analytical approach, reports awareness, attitudes, and WTP across waves and subgroups, and discusses implications for “soft” interventions (e.g., norms, information, defaults) that can complement regulatory frameworks and financial incentives. It concludes with limitations and practical recommendations for policymakers, industry, and civil society to accelerate the adoption of low-emission materials. Full article

Against the backdrop of the deepening “dual carbon” strategy and the globalization of ESG investment, China’s construction industry, an important key carbon-emitting sector, faces a “triple institutional dilemma”. It includes high carbon lock-in, human capital alienation, and an ambiguous governance structure. Current research on the practical paths of ESG compliance and its localized adaptation in this industry remains limited. Drawing on the green transformation theory, this study systematically explores the theoretical logic, realistic picture, and breakthrough path of ESG compliance in the industry. Firstly, it clarifies the connotation of ESG compliance and maps out the industry’s policy framework and practical patterns. Secondly, it analyzes core dilemmas from three dimensions: environmental constraints related to technical pathways, social conflicts between labor and community arising from institutional imbalances, and governance inefficiencies caused by irregular information disclosure and imperfect structure. Finally, it proposes a “three-dimensional collaborative” mitigation mechanism. This study provides localized, practical pathways for ESG compliance in the construction industry and offers a theoretical reference for the sector’s green transformation, thereby contributing to advancing Chinese-style modernization and ecological civilization construction. Full article

The wisdom embedded within traditional human settlements offers profound insights for addressing contemporary ecological challenges. This study systematically investigates the spatial management strategies and ecological wisdom of ancient settlements in the Yiluo River Basin (Luoyang Section), a cradle of Chinese civilization. A mixed-methods approach combined with historical document analysis was utilized, and the results reveal how these settlements achieved harmonious coexistence between human activities and the natural environment over millennia. The research uncovers a sophisticated system of ecological wisdom, primarily manifested across four key dimensions: (1) Macro-Topography-Responsive Siting Strategy: Settlement locations adhered to the principle of “nestling against mountains and facing water,” utilizing natural barriers and resources to mitigate flood risks and optimize microclimates. (2) Context-Adaptive Spatial Layout: The internal layout of settlements was attuned to local topography, water systems, and wind corridors, enhancing living comfort and aesthetic appeal. (3) Gray–Green–Blue infrastructure Synergy: Ancient water management systems were integrated with farmland and transportation routes, forming a synergistic network for irrigation, drainage, flood control, and transportation. (4) Culture–Nature Symbiosis: Cultural practices integrated human life cycles with natural landscapes, fostering regional identity and cultural sustainability. This study argues that the ecological wisdom of ancient Yiluo settlements—marked by its systematic and adaptive nature—provides a valuable historical paradigm for enhancing ecosystem services, building climate resilience, and achieving human–nature harmony in contemporary watershed management and urban–rural development. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge of balancing coastal wetland conservation with urban sustainable development, a pivotal issue for ecological civilization in rapidly developing regions. Through an in-depth analysis of Qingdao and Weihai—exemplary cases in Shandong Province—this research systematically investigates mechanisms for achieving synergistic win–win outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including systems analysis to deconstruct governance frameworks, comparative case study to identify transferable strategies, and policy deduction to formulate actionable pathways, the study reveals how integrated approaches yield tangible results. Qingdao’s “Five Ocean Usages” concept and Weihai’s segmented coastal zoning have significantly improved key ecological metrics. By contrast, Qinhuangdao faces pronounced challenges, including degraded wetlands, spatial conflict between ports and core habitats, and underdeveloped synergistic governance. To address these, the study proposes a targeted strategy for Qinhuangdao, emphasizing a data-informed “wetland+” multi-format integration plan, the establishment of wetland mitigation banking and green finance instruments, digitally enabled public participation, and deeper policy alignment with national strategies such as Maritime Power. This research provides both a replicable analytical framework and practical guidance for coastal cities seeking to realize “development within protection and protection within development”. Full article

China’s rapid urbanization and ecological civilization initiatives have intensified land space governance challenges. This paper introduces a novel integrated framework to investigate the bidirectional interactions among land space conflicts (LSC), urbanization level (UL), and eco-environment level (EL) in Jiangsu Province (2000–2020). Using a combination of landscape risk indices, TOPSIS, coupling coordination, geographic detector, and Tapio decoupling models, we analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics and underlying mechanisms. Key findings show the following: LSC intensity escalated continuously, with the highest levels in Southern Jiangsu. UL grew steadily, while EL exhibited fluctuations. UL-EL coordination significantly improved, with notable spatial clustering. Decoupling analysis indicates a weakening influence of UL on LSC, but with growing pressure from the EL. Importantly, cross-system UL-EL interactions amplified LSC intensity more than internal subsystem effects. Based on coupling–decoupling patterns, cities were classified into five typologies, providing a clear basis for targeted spatial governance strategies. This research provides both a theoretical advancement and practical insights for balancing urbanization and ecological sustainability in rapidly developing regions. Full article

In recent years, China’s economic and social development has faced challenges such as urban-rural imbalance and ecological pressure. Digital inclusive finance and ecological resilience have become key concerns in academia and policymaking. This study empirically examines whether digital inclusive finance can enhance ecological resilience and its underlying mechanisms, drawing on quantitative evidence from provincial panel data covering 2011–2020. By providing robust empirical results, it contributes to understanding the role of digital finance in supporting high-quality growth and ecological civilization. While the findings align with national strategies such as the “dual carbon” goal and rural revitalization, the study’s primary contribution lies in advancing interdisciplinary exploration through rigorous evidence rather than solely at the policy level. By constructing a double fixed effects model and panel data from 30 Chinese provinces (2011–2020), the study finds that digital inclusive finance significantly enhances ecological resilience, both directly and indirectly through channels such as environmental regulation, artificial intelligence development, and green credit. Moreover, its ecological impact is moderated by regional economic levels and digital infrastructure, with stronger effects observed in eastern and digitally advanced regions. In summary, this study reveals the mechanisms through which digital inclusive finance promotes ecological resilience, offering a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for policy formulation. Its key contribution lies in systematically analyzing the link between digital inclusive finance and ecological resilience, enriching the theoretical framework and providing data support for policy optimization and financial institutions’ strategic adjustments. Future efforts should focus on strengthening policy coordination to enhance the ecological role of digital finance, promoting financial innovation to support resilience, and advancing regional coordination to narrow the digital divide and achieve shared ecological protection. Full article

The “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets” idea (i.e., “Two Mountains” concept) has charted a new path for balancing economic and ecological needs. To systematically evaluate the extent to which China’s ecological conservation has supported economic development since 2012, an assessment indicator system was established that employs a coupling coordination degree (D) model, the entropy weight method, and statistical analysis. The results revealed significant correlations between ecological protection and economic development, and D increased from 2012 to 2023. D in China was good (0.6 < D ≤ 0.8) in this period, which indicates that ecological protection has played a growing role in supporting high-quality economic development and that notable progress has been made in the implementation of the “Two Mountains” concept. Both emission reduction and resource conservation were significantly correlated with D. Reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy consumption had stronger effects on coordinated development than reducing pollutant emissions and increasing water productivity. D was highest in East and South China. The “Two Mountains” concept should be implemented to balance ecological protection and economic development and enhance the economic benefits derived from ecological resources. Management measures should be implemented based on local conditions. Ultimately, these changes would help meet established sustainable development goals. Full article

In the context of global climate change and efforts toward “carbon peak and carbon neutrality,” forest resource protection and restoration have become fundamental to ecological civilization. The genetic improvement of trees, as the primary component of forest ecosystems, holds strategic importance for ecological security, resource supply, and carbon neutrality. Traditional tree breeding techniques, including selective and hybrid breeding, have established robust technical systems through extensive practice. However, these methods face limitations such as extended cycles, reduced efficiency, and constrained genetic gains in meeting contemporary requirements. Modern biotechnologies, including genomic selection (GS), gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9), and marker-assisted selection (MAS), substantially enhance the precision and efficiency of genetic improvement. Nevertheless, exclusive reliance on either traditional or modern methods proves insufficient for addressing complex environmental adaptation and rapid breeding requirements. Consequently, the integration of traditional breeding with modern biotechnology to develop intelligent, sustainable, and efficient breeding strategies has emerged as a central focus in tree genetics and breeding. An integrated “step-by-step” approach warrants promotion, supported by a multi-source data sharing platform, an optimized core germplasm repository, and a “climate-soil-genotype” matching model to facilitate the region-specific deployment of improved varieties. Full article

Against the background of China’s ecological civilization construction and sustainable development strategies, how remote sensing courses adapt to the demands of the artificial intelligence era has become an urgent issue for undergraduate education in relevant disciplines at universities. This study proposed a trinity teaching reform path of “deep learning and remote sensing, and ecological sustainability”, aiming to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with capabilities in intelligent interpretation and practical application. The study established a three-stage curriculum objective system, integrating knowledge, ability, and literacy, designed a five-dimensional linkage teaching method combining case-driven teaching, modular training, and blended learning, and conducted teaching practices using mainstream deep learning frameworks and cloud platforms. Through hierarchical teaching practice cases and multi-dimensional evaluation data, it was shown that the reform effectively enhanced the experiment group students’ abilities in deep learning applications, complex remote sensing data processing, and ecological problem-solving. The achievement values for all five evaluation indicators exceeded 80%, with the highest improvement reaching 28% compared to the control group. The results indicate that this teaching reform not only enhances learning outcomes but also provides a valuable framework and practical pathway for remote sensing education empowered by artificial intelligence and the cultivation of professional talent in future sustainable development fields. Full article

The increase in global demand for mineral resources with the energy transition is likely to intensify the consequences of mining, such as deforestation; biodiversity loss; soil, water, and air contamination; violations of civil, political, and labour rights; loss of livelihoods; and harm to health. It is a paradox that the quest for sustainability and transition away from fossil fuels are leading to another set of unsustainable practices. The paper analyses how one major faith actor, the Catholic Church, is dealing with this paradox and is translating its theological and moral commitment to integral ecology into practice in the context of mining. Based on a series of consultations with cross-continental actors, the paper aims to offer a typology of responses in order to inform the work of other actors in sustainable development and the transition to renewable energy. The paper examines five types of intertwined responses: (1) the accompaniment of mining-affected populations, which is the starting point of all responses; (2) the mediation of experience through theological and organisational resources and international policy frameworks; (3) the documentation of what is happening or likely to happen; (4) education and formation to address the structural causes of social and ecological degradation at a multi-scalar level; and (5) advocacy for policy and institutional change, including alternative modes of socio-economic development. The paper concludes by discussing some shortcomings in these responses, as well as avenues for broad-based coalitions for sustainability in the context of the mining requirements of the energy transition. Full article

This study examines the impact of public data openness on environmental welfare performance using a quasi-natural experimental approach based on the establishment of prefecture-level city public data openness platforms. Our findings reveal that public data openness significantly improves urban environmental welfare performance. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis highlights that public data openness can play a more positive role in cities in eastern China, cities with greater fiscal autonomy, and cities where local governments place greater emphasis on environmental protection. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that public data openness enhances environmental welfare performance through stricter environmental regulatory constraints, industrial structure upgrading, increased public participation and supervision, and advancements in innovation and entrepreneurship. Extensive analysis shows that public data openness within a spatial framework can significantly enhance environmental welfare performance in the region. However, this process will generate a triple “siphon effect” that inhibits improvements in urban environmental welfare performance in surrounding areas. Additionally, this effect exhibits a certain degree of geographical attenuation influenced by economic interdependence, with an attenuation boundary of 1000 km. This study injects internet and big data thinking into ecological civilization construction, endowing it with new models, new scenarios, and new momentum, and providing a brand-new approach to sustainable development practices. Full article

On the basis of analyzing the current situation and common challenges in cultivating the innovative abilities of energy graduate students in the new era of ecological civilization construction, peak carbon dioxide emissions, and carbon neutrality, a comprehensive evaluation index system for the innovative ability of energy graduate students was established using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method. The four main components of this system are course learning, academic exchange, innovation performance, and innovation practice. By incorporating survey data from a particular university’s 2022 cohort of energy graduate students, an empirical exploration was undertaken to identify the factors influencing their innovation ability. The findings reveal that, overall, energy discipline graduate students possess a solid grasp of specialized knowledge. However, notable disparities exist in the individual innovation abilities of these students, with doctors exhibiting significantly superior innovation abilities compared to masters. Furthermore, academic masters tend to possess a higher level of innovation ability than their professional counterparts. The insights gained from this research offer valuable implications for enhancing the cultivation of innovation abilities among graduate students in energy disciplines and allied fields. Full article