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How Has China Structured Its Ecological Governance Policy System?—A Case from Fujian Province

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  • Xiaojun Zhang

    (School of Economic and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
    School of Government, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Weiqiao Wang

    (School of Economic and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China)

  • Yunan Bai

    (School of Economic and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China)

  • Yong Ye

    (School of Economic and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China)

Abstract

Ecological civilization (EC) has been seen as the final goal of social and environmental reform within a given society. Much attention has been paid to the national governmental level in previous studies, and district- and local-level government actions have been a lower priority, which may have led to overlooking key details of management institutions and policy systems in relation to EC. In this research, we aimed to make a significant contribution to the literature by tracing the EC trajectory and policy transitions. Through bibliometric analysis of policy documents, we reviewed the EC construction system for Fujian Province from 2004 to 2020. The policy priorities, organization-functional network, and contributing factors to policy changes in each of the three phases are discussed in depth. Target setting, actors’ functions, and institutional guarantees are the core elements of EC construction. This research provides a quantitative foundation for understanding policy reform and transition with regards to Chinese local governments’ EC actions. The experience of Fujian Province shows trends toward legalization, multi-actor linkage, and issue refinement that may serve as a basis for other countries and regions in order to explore the promotion of sustainable development and environmental governance as pathways to EC.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaojun Zhang & Weiqiao Wang & Yunan Bai & Yong Ye, 2022. "How Has China Structured Its Ecological Governance Policy System?—A Case from Fujian Province," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8627-:d:863560
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    1. Shangxiao Wang & Ming Zhang & Xi Xi, 2022. "Ecological Environment Evaluation Based on Remote Sensing Ecological Index: A Case Study in East China over the Past 20 Years," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-15, November.

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