A Holistic Ecosystem-Based Approach to Ecological Protection and Green Development: The Case of Huangshan in the People’s Republic of China

Abstract

Agriculture has surpassed industry as the most notable source of surface water pollution in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The increased use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture has increased nonpoint source (NPS) pollution through runoffs. Over the past 2 decades, rapid industrialization and urbanization in the PRC have come at a high environmental cost, with water pollution and flooding becoming major challenges. Urbanization has led to a significant increase in impervious areas, preventing rainfall from draining into the ground. The result is increased stormwater runoff, urban flooding, soil erosion, and the consequent increase in the pollution load carried by stormwater to waterbodies, particularly by the first flush. The government introduced measures like the sponge city and the low-impact development (LID) program and promotes the use of organic fertilizers and biological pesticides. It launched the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) program,3 which prioritizes ecological protection, green development,4 and improved investment efficiency across the program’s many provinces. In 2016, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the PRC agreed to a strategic framework, lending $2.0 billion to the YREB area from 2017 to 2020.5 Complementing this is the National Strategic Plan for Rural Vitalization (2018– 2022), using an integrated approach to address rural–urban gaps, poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable development. The government requested ADB to assist in demonstrating municipal development that ensures environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness.