Click here to go to the following issues:

Economic Aspects | Natural Resource Aspects | Institutional Aspects | Social Aspects |China

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

Click here to go to these sections:

• Integrated Decision-Making
• Major Groups
• Science
• Information
• International Law

INTEGRATED DECISION-MAKING

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

China has established six environmental laws, eight resources management laws, more than thirty administrative regulations, and three hundred and sixty environmental standards. Further laws have been established on education, health, culture and social security. Further improvements and adjustments are considered necessary, e.g. the strengthening of local legislation. By the year 2000, the basis for a system of legislation governing sustainable development should be in place.

In July of 1996, the State Council held the Fourth National Conference on Environmental Protection in order to promote the implementation of a sustainable development strategy. Subsequently, the Decision of the State Council on Issues Related to Environmental Protection was drafted, and a specific sectoral five-year national plan for China's environment protection was ratified, which aims for the following:

• By the year 2000, to establish a relatively complete environmental management and related law systems in line with the socialist market economy. Efforts should be made to bring the trend of increasing environment pollution and deterioration of the ecological environment under control, and to improve the quality of the environment in several cities and regions with grave pollution problems. This will promote the emergence of some model cities and regions that enjoy both rapid economic development and a sound environment.
• By the year 2010, further to improve the implementation of the strategy of sustainable development. This means that environmental law systems should be well established and the whole country's ecological deterioration should be brought under control, so that a clear improvement of environment quality in urban and rural areas can be achieved.

Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans  

In 1992 and 1993, China developed a National Agenda 21 - White Paper on China's Population, Environment and Development in the 21st Century. A Leading Group co-chaired by a deputy minister of the State Science and Technology Commission and a deputy minister of the State Planning Commission was established in August 1992 to organise and coordinate the formulation and implementation of China's Agenda 21, which was approved by the State Council in March 1994. In 1994, the State Council also issued a directive calling on government institutions at all levels, to consider China's Agenda 21 as an overarching strategic guideline for the formulation of economic and social development plans, and particularly to integrate it into the Five Year Plan (1996-2000), plans for the year 2010, and into day-to-day management.

Concurrently, government authorities under the State Council begun to engage in formulation of various sectoral Agenda 21s and plans of action, which were suited to their own area of specific requirement. For example, the Ministry of Forestry formulated the Forestry Action Plan for China's Agenda 21 which deals with sustainable development in forestry. The State Oceanic Administration drafted China's Ocean Agenda 21, China's National Environment Protection Agency formulated China's Agenda 21 for Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Water Resources drafted China's Agenda 21 on Water Resources, etc. Other government authorities have also formulated programmes of action according to their specific conditions and in line with the country's Ninth Five -Year Plan.
Beijing Municipality, Hubei Province, and Guizhou Province were selected at local levels to integrate, on an experimental basis, China's Agenda 21 into their economic and social development planning. As a result, specific suggestions were made from the perspective of laws, policies, arrangements, finance and operation mechanisms, etc. so that a sustainable development strategy which can be implemented at local levels can be developed.

In order to implement the sections in the Ninth Five-Year Plan and the Long-Term Objectives for the Year 2010 relating to environment protection, China formulated:

• the Programme for Controlling the Total Amount of Main Pollutants during the Ninth Five-Year Plan, which states that, in order to meet the environmental goals set in the Ninth Five-Year Plan, strict regulations should be made for control of 12 main pollutants;
• the China Trans-Century Green Project, which is specifically targeted on areas with critical pollution problems, river basins, and some fundamental environmental problems, and particularly focusses on the water pollution of three rivers (Huaihe River, Haihe River, and Liaohe River), three lakes (Taihu Lake, Dianchi Lake, and Chaohu Lake), and acid rain in southwestern, central, southern, and eastern China, as well as on air pollution in 20 key cities;
• the Ninth Five-Year Plan and the Long-Term Objectives for the Year 2010 on Land and Water Conservation attaches great importance to the land and water conservation projects of the seven largest river valleys. In 33 key areas, land and water conservation projects of national level should be established to halt increasing land erosion, and efforts should be made to preserve an additional 650 thousand square kilometres of land by curbing soil erosion, by the year 2010.

No information is available

Programmes and Projects   

In order to adequately manage the implementation of China's Agenda 21 at the macro level, the State Planning Commission and the State Science and Technology Commission, by the request of the State Council, gave priority to the incorporation of China's Agenda 21 into state planning. In July 1994, with the support of the UNDP, the Research and Training Programme on Incorporation of China's Agenda 21 into the National Economy and Social Development Plan was initiated. This programme, taking into consideration the overall development strategy and in view of the Ninth Five-Year Plan and Long-Term Objectives for the Year 2010, puts forth the following counter-measures and suggestions:

• Actively promoting shifts in the economic development model and makes economic efficiency the core of economic activity. Establishing a sound production mechanism, by means of reforming the economic structure, in order to utilise resources, reduce energy consumption, and increase production efficiency. Promoting favourable prices, taxation, and preferential loan policies to be adopted in fields that are conducive to society and environment, such as pollution control, clean energy development, utilisation of waste material, and natural resources protection.
• It emphasises the importance of science and technology, and re-invigorates the country through science and technology, thus laying a better foundation for sustainable development. It recognizes that great efforts should be made to integrate rational use of resources with environmental protection, and to develop expertise and products that can economise on resources and minimise pollution.
• It calls for establishment and improvement of economic policies, regulations, and financial and taxation systems with the aim of bringing them into line with the sustainable development strategy. Great importance should be attached to research and formulation of measures and action plans concerning sustainable development, to its education, publicity, related personnel training, law enforcement, and supervision .
• Compensatory mechanisms for natural resources exploitation and environment taxation policies should be formulated, so as to strengthen state administration of natural resources and their reasonable allocation, and improve the related utilisation system so that it can better utilise and protect resources. Pricing systems of resources should also be reformed so as to promote sustainable utilisation of resources, and implementation of related policies that are conducive to transforming waste into useful resources.
• It calls for coordinated development of the regional economy and environment to bring regional advantage into full play so as to gradually reduce disparity regional development. Favourable policies conducive to narrowing the regional development gaps should be formulated, and attention should also be paid to promote the development of China's interior and western areas. Models of urbanisation should also be adjusted to suit China's national conditions.
• It emphasises sustainable development education so as to enhance public consciousness and promote public participation. Full advantage should be taken of mass media such as radio, TV, and newspapers. In addition, various schools, institutions and universities should be mobilised to spread knowledge about sustainable development, especially among women and children. A national strategy should be developed to establish related mechanisms for public participation and to maximise the role of public participation in sustainable development.
• It evaluates economic and social development policies from the perspective of sustainable development.
• It calls for integrating the sustainable development strategy into national, local, and enterprise development plans. The sustainable development strategy should be embodied in industrial policies and regional planning. In the Report on China's National Economy and Social Development, the part of sustainable development was also expanded and amended so as to incorporate China's Agenda 21 into the planning programmes of government authorities at various levels in a phased and comprehensive way.

Major Groups, including women, children and the youth, minority nationalities and minority nationality districts, workers and labour unions, science and technology institutes, have been involved in the process of decision- making for sustainable development.

No information is available

Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising

Taking China's Agenda 21 as a guiding document in the drafting of the Ninth Five-Year Plan Long-Term Objectives for the Year 2010, the State Planning Commission, and various departments and bureaus under its jurisdiction, embarked on related research programmes and personnel training. Due consideration was also given to suggestions and plans from related fields and departments.

The Administrative Centre for China's Agenda 21 (ACCA 21) is the bridge between domestic and international partners for the implementation of the Priority Programme for China's Agenda 21. It provides information on sustainable development, consultancy services for projects, training and public awareness material. China's International Training Centre for Sustainable Development (CITCSD) was established in 1993 in order to provide capacity building, provide training for administrative personnel, and promote public awareness.

No information is available

Cooperation

International cooperation for sustainable development is encouraged, especially in the area of training. Many international organisations and national governments have expressed interest and support for the implementation of China's Agenda 21. The UNDP-sponsored Capacity 21 Programme has played a catalyst role in promoting sustainable development in China. After the UNCED in 1992, China-UNDP cooperation has been very successful in the area of capacity building for sustainable development. China has formulated and implemented China's Agenda 21 with the support of UNDP. The Chinese Government and UNDP also signed the CSDNP (China's Sustainable Development Networking Project) in October 1995. In 1997, Capacity 21 Programme will continue to support China in the area of capacity building for local Agenda 21s.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th & 6th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update: April 1998.

To access the Web Site of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development click here. This Site provides information on:

1. Trade and Environment
2. Energy Strategies and Technologies
3. Monitoring, Data Collection and Pollution Control
4. Protection of Biodiversity
5. Scientific Research and Technological Development
6. Resource Accounting and Environmental Economics

For access to the China Council Working Group on Monitoring, Data Collection and Pollution Control click here:
For information on the 1997 China Environment Forum click here:
For information about the structure and responsibilities of the National Environment Protection Agency click here:
For information on the Capacity 21 programme in China, click here:
For access to the priority programme of China's Agenda 21 "Enactment and amendment of Laws for Sustainable Development in China", click here:
For access to the priority programme of China's Agenda 21 "Investigation and Enforcement measures of Legislation for Sustainable Development in" click here:
For information on Environmental Law around the World, click here:

| China | All Countries | Home |

MAJOR GROUPS

WOMEN

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was signed on 17 July 1980 and ratified on 4 November 1980.
The participation of women in sustainable development is addressed in China's Agenda 21.

Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans  

Policies or strategies for achievement of equality in all aspects of society have been drawn up and completed. Mechanisms are in place to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women.

The All China Women's Federation has been involved in the process of formulation and implementation of China's Agenda 21 and its associated priority programmes.

Programmes and Projects   

No information is available

Status

Chinese women have taken an active part in the adoption of sustainable practices with concrete results and Chinese women's organizations have also made substantial contributions to protecting the environment.

No information is available

Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising

In Benxi City a Women's Sustainable Development Centre was set up that disseminates knowledge to rural women and helps urban women to start new careers.
Curricula and educational material already promote gender-relevant knowledge.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

For information on WomenWatch in China, click here:
For information on follow-up to the Beijing Conference in China and on China's national plan in this area, click here:
For access to the priority programme of China's Agenda 21 "Capacity Building for Rural Women's Participation in Sustainable Development in Five Provinces in Northwest China", click here:
For access to the Priority Programme of China's Agenda 21 "Sustainable Development and Enhancement of Women's Status in Hainan Province", click here:

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

China's Agenda 21 identifies targets and activities in order to promote the participation of children and youth in sustainable development. An Outline of China's Development Program for Children in the 1990s has been promulgated. Children and Youth have been involved in the process of formulation and implementation of the sustainable development strategy in China.

Status

The goal, set in Agenda 21, of ensuring that by the year 2000 more than 50% of youth -- gender balanced -- have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training has been reached.
Urban youth unemployment has increased from 2.988 million in 1992 to 3.102 million in 1995.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

No information is available.

* * *

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Mechanisms exist already that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively and NGO inputs are important.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

The Government supports Local Agenda 21 initiatives and there are at least 21 Local Agendas 21.

No information is available

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

Women and youth fully participate in local decision-making.

No information is available

Status

China is a vast country and there are great disparities between the eastern, central, and western parts of the country in terms of natural conditions, economic development, and urbanisation. In view of this, it is essential for China to formulate different action plans for sustainable development which are suited to the local situations and conditions. By the end of 1996, two-thirds of the 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities had organised their respective Leading Groups and established working offices to implement their Local Agenda 21. Some provinces have formulated their own Local Agenda 21s and action plans. Some cities have also initiated their Local Agenda 21 works.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

WORKERS AND UNIONS

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Workers take full part in National Agenda 21 discussion and implementation.

China's Agenda 21 identifies targets and activities in order to promote the participation of workers and labour unions in sustainable development.

No information is available

Status

The trade unions of China have the largest membership in the world, with more than 600,000 grassroots organizations and over 100 million members.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

No information is available

Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans  

There are governmental policies encouraging increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output. Several big enterprises and a few small and medium sized enterprises have adopted sustainable development policies.

No information is available

Programmes and Projects   

In 1994, the Technical and Financial Enhancement Programme was initiated by the Chinese Government. The aim of this programme is to enhance technical reform investment, accelerate enterprise reform, and set up technical progress mechanisms. In two separate steps more than 3,000 projects within the Technical and Financial Enhancement Programme have been arranged, with a total investment of RMB 290 billion yuan. Energy conservation and reduction, comprehensive utilisation of resources, and environmental protection are three of the key priority areas within this programme. There are over 232 projects in the above areas and the total input is RMB 30 billion yuan. 30.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMMUNITY

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Chinese scientists and technologists have taken an active part in implementing sustainable development.

No information is available

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

The Chinese Science and Technology Society has more than 10,000 branches at the provincial and prefectural levels, about 50,000 township offices, and 2,000 community groups. The people in this circle are all working diligently and conscientiously to gear their endeavours to economic construction and social progress, propagate advanced technologies where applicable to the local conditions, advocate civilised, healthy and scientific ways of living, eliminate feudal superstitions and ignorance, and promote the concept of sustainable development.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

FARMERS

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Farmer participation is essential for the cost reduction of the country's environmental control projects. Their input enables the Central Government to work on many projects with limited investment.

Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans  

Chinese farmers have developed many new methods in their practice of enhancing the agricultural ecological environment, such as eco-farming and comprehensive control of small drainage areas. In addition, they have been actively studying and practising the application of new technologies in their efforts towards sustainable development. This is illustrated by the fact that over 30 million person-hours have been spent by farmers attending training courses on various applied technologies. The flourishing of township and village enterprises is another major contribution of the Chinese farmers towards the national industrialisation. This sector provides 120 million non-farming job opportunities in the rural areas and has created substantial wealth. These enterprises constitute a strong pillar of China's rural economy, an important part of the national economy, and the majority of the medium- and small-sized enterprises.

No information is available

Status

Farmers are the main agents of land control and, at the same time, the main beneficiaries of investment in land quality. In the water and soil control projects from 1991 to 1996, farmers provided 70% of the total input and completed work on the prevention of soil erosion in 211,300 square kilometres.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

| China | All Countries | Home |

SCIENCE

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

No information is available

Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans  

China is in the transition period from a highly resource-consuming, low-efficiency, and heavily polluting economic development pattern to a resource-saving, high-efficiency, and less polluting economic development pattern. Therefore, all kinds of sciences and technologies which can promote the transformation of the economic development pattern are given priorities since there is still a shortage of these kinds of sciences and technologies in China. Revitalizing China through science and education has served as a major strategy in China.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th & 6th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update: April 1998

| China | All Countries | Home |

INFORMATION

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

No information is available

Challenges  

The need for improvements of communication technologies is expressed in Chapter 12: Sustainable Development of Industry, Transportation and Communication in China's Agenda 21. The present capacity in telecommunication is inadequate. Delays in the transfer of information hinders social and economic sustainable development.

No information is available

Information

Various government agencies and different localities have established information centres and the State has set up a broad-based information centre. These provide a foundation for the development of an information system for sustainable development.

* * *

This information is based on China's submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997

To go to China's Sustainable Development Networking Programme, click here:
For access to the priority programme of China's Agenda 21 "Formulation of Sustainable Development Indicators for China", click here:

| China | All Countries | Home |

INTERNATIONAL LAW

No information is available.

* * *

| Natural Resource Aspects | Economic Aspects | Social Aspects |

| China | All Countries | Home |