Sustainability Commons^™

Goals Of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework And Solutions By China’S Biosphere Reserve Network, Guangchun Lei

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Biodiversity is the core element of earth life system, and it is also the source of food, drinking water, health, security, and social welfare for people. Biodiversity contains critical genetic resources that help people to response to future uncertainties, in particular, hold solutions to climate change. However, due to population outbreak, technology advancement, and unsustainable production and consumption, the earth ecosystem has been under significant development pressure, which indicated by human ecological footprint of 170% that earth ecosystem can provide, which led to continuous loss of biodiversity. If such trend continues, the sixth massive biodiversity extinction will unavoidable. This study …

Practical Experience And Achievements In Sustainable Development Of World Network Of Biosphere Reserves, Weihua Xu, Zuchen Ma, Günter Köck, Wenlu Chen, Zhiyun Ouyang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As the core of the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere Programme” (MAB), the World Network of Biosphere Reserves holds irreplaceable strategic value in harmonizing ecological conservation with regional sustainable development. Based on the four strategic objectives outlined in the Strategy for the Man and the Biosphere Programme (2015–2025), this study systematically analyzes the innovative practices across representative global reserves, revealing critical pathways and implementation outcomes for the sustainable development of biosphere reserves. The research demonstrates that the scientific conservation measures—including the establishment of biodiversity monitoring systems, systematic habitat restoration, and the development of genetic resource conservation networks—have significantly enhanced biodiversity …

Governing Human-Nature Harmony In Protected Area Communities: Global Lessons From Unesco’S Mab Network And Evidence From China’S Biosphere Reserves, Baorong Huang, Xuetian Hu, Ling Tang, Qingyu Lu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Building human-nature harmonious communities is foundational to effective protected-area governance. Drawing on fifty years of global practice under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, this study distills four practice-oriented insights: establishing co-management committees to secure the institutional basis; developing ecological branding to add value to ecological products and raise household incomes; cultivating ecological flagships to enhance international reputation and attract investment; and safeguarding cultural diversity to strengthen residents’ sense of belonging and support for management. Case materials are integrated from 34 biosphere reserves in China and an observational indicator framework is constructed and a survey-based assessment is conducted for …

Man And The Biosphere: Life Community Of Ethno-Biography, Zhaorong Peng

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Against the backdrop of escalating ecological crises and biodiversity loss, UNESCO’s “Man and the Biosphere Programme” highlights the interdisciplinary value of global ecological governance. As an epistemological projection of the concept of a “community of life” ethno-biography—a synthesis of anthropology and natural history—emphasizes interspecies reciprocity and systemic interconnection, articulating the underlying logic of life as a shared biosphere. This perspective advocates a shift from anthropocentrism toward an ecological ethic of restraint, underscoring the equal survival rights of all species. Through multilateral cooperation and localized implementation, the Man and the Biosphere framework offers a practical platform for the ethno-biographic approach, with …

Scientific Research Supports Biosphere’S Conservation —Case Study Of Dinghushan World Biosphere Reserve, Hanping Xia, Juxiu Liu, Xiankai Lu, Hai Ren

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Based on a brief review of the Dinghushan National Nature Reserve/Dinghushan World Biosphere Reserve, this study comprehensively reviews its scientific research progress in the past 70 years, including three stages: early ecological investigation and biodiversity monitoring; mid-term research on ecosystem structure, function, and dynamics; and recent comprehensive studies. The study also analyzes the role of scientific research in supporting biodiversity conservation, local community sustainable development, and mitigation and adaptation to global climate change in the reserve. Finally, five inspirations and suggestions are proposed to support biosphere conservation through scientific research: (1) research-based conservation has strong vitality; (2) enhancing the level …

Empowering Ecological Monitoring With Science And Technology, Driving Conservation And Development Through Innovation—A Case Study Of Wolong World Biosphere Reserve, Tingmei He, Shufeng Wang, Fan Wu, Yongfeng Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Ecological monitoring can provide basic data and decision-making support for ecological environment management and policy formulation. The technologies and methods adopted in ecological monitoring by the Wolong National Nature Reserve, located in Sichuan, China, hold extensive representativeness and influence on a global scale. Based on a review of the main monitoring practices of the Wolong World Biosphere Reserve, this paper presents the adoption of different technical paths and collaborative applications in the “sky-Earth-space integrated” monitoring, as well as the practices in promoting the “Five Ones” goals (i.e., one set of data, one platform, one set of algorithms, one cloud, and …

Integrating Protection And Development Issues Through Expansion: A Case Study Of Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng World Biosphere Reserve, Wei Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

In September 2025, the Fifth UNESCO World Congress of Biosphere Reserves will be held in Hangzhou, China. The delegates will engage in detailed discussions on key issues, including the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, as well as balanced conservation and development. This congress will also develop a strategic and action plan for the next phase of the world biosphere reserves. The Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng World Biosphere Reserve represents China’s first successful application for world biosphere reserve achieved through an expansion process. Here, this study first elucidates the value and significance of expanding world biosphere reserves. Subsequently, drawing on the practical experience …

Transboundary Conservation Of Biosphere: Case Study From Xishuangbanna World Biosphere Reserve, Lin Wang, Lifan Wang, Xiaoyan Yi, Yun Yang, Ruichang Quan

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Transboundary conservation, as a pivotal strategy in addressing the global biodiversity crisis, plays a critical role in maintaining ecological connectivity and promoting regional ecological security and sustainable development. Under the initiative of the Xishuangbanna World Biosphere Reserve and with bilateral governmental support from China and Laos, a contiguous transboundary protected area spanning approximately 220 km and encompassing 200 000 hectares was established along their shared border in 2012. This study elucidates the importance of transboundary conservation. Using the Xishuangbanna World Biosphere Reserve as a case study, the joint efforts between China and Laos are examined, and the effectiveness in the …

Developing Integrated Protected Area Communities: Insights From Gaoligongshan Unesco Biosphere Reserve, China, Jianwei Chen, Ling Tang, Ying’An Zhang, Shihai Yu, Hui Yang, Yuanmengran Chu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The integrated protected area community (IPAC) model is a Chinese innovation in protected area governance, emerging from the convergence of national policy support, local government implementation, and community participation. Rather than relying solely on administrative jurisdiction or geographic proximity, IPAC uses protected areas as institutional hubs to align ecological conservation with community development and regional collaboration. Based on the case of the Gaoligongshan UNESCO biosphere reserve, this study examines how policy coordination, stakeholder integration, and ecological value realization are operationalized under the IPAC approach, highlighting an integrated mechanism that combines state-led planning, multi-entity co-governance, and ecological product valorization. The Gaoligongshan …

Aesthetics Of Life’S Continuity: Local Experiences And Chinese Wisdom In Sustainable Development Of Maolan Biosphere Reserve, Ying Zhang, Jingcheng Ran, Dengli Yu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) emphasizes that biosphere reserves should serve as “learning sites for sustainable development”. Ecological conservation should not be separated from human life, but instead be integrated with community development, cultural continuity, and educational advancement. Guided by this principle, the Maolan Biosphere Reserve in Guizhou has grounded its efforts in the traditional ecological culture of its multi-ethnic local communities. It transforms ecological ethics and aesthetic experiences into shared ecological values and innovative governance mechanisms, thereby forging a path of ecological civilization that integrates nature conservation, cultural identity, and livelihood improvement.

Hu Baonan: Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve—Scientific Conservation Of Endangered Species, Editorial Office Of Bulletin Of Chinese Academy Of Sciences

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Dabuxilatu, Hong Meijing: Ecological And Cultural Symphony In Saihanwula World Biosphere Reserve, Inner Mongolia, Editorial Office Of Bulletin Of Chinese Academy Of Sciences

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Shu Zufei: Exploration Of “Harmony Between Humans And Nature” In Chebaling World Biosphere Reserve, Editorial Office Of Bulletin Of Chinese Academy Of Sciences

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Ma Yu: Niubeiliang World Biosphere Reserve: Nature Education For Future, Editorial Office Of Bulletin Of Chinese Academy Of Sciences

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Yang Kun, Xing Huaibo: Ten Years’ Journey Of Hanma World Biosphere Reserve, Editorial Office Of Bulletin Of Chinese Academy Of Sciences

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Breeding Ewes Are Worth Feeding, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Despite potentially elevated grain prices, strong prices for meat and wool mean that Western Australian sheep farmers can confidently supplementary feed their underweight ewes in summer/autumn.

Analysis in 2019, based on then-current prices, showed it was a profitable investment to feed all ewes to maintain condition during pregnancy, and to feed low condition score single bearing ewes and low and medium condition score twin bearing ewes to gain condition.

In 2019, John Young from Farming Systems Analysis Service completed an analysis on the value of a ewe in the WA farming system. His report had some important messages for the …

Investigation Of Temperature, Solution Strength, And Applied Stress Effects On Cation Exchange Processes In Different Geosynthetic Clay Liner Products, Kendra Fuller

Master's Theses

An extensive laboratory test program was conducted to analyze and compare the cation exchange processes in three different varieties of sodium bentonite (Na-B) geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) over increased conditioning durations up to 32 days and investigate the effects of temperature, solution strength, and applied stress. The goal of this test program was to establish whether the variables of temperature, solution strength, and applied stress improved or degraded the engineering properties of GCLs in laboratory testing and municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill applications. The GCLs were conditioned in liquids of increasing ionic strength, using deionized water and 2, 50, and …

A Step By Step Shoreline Attribute Analysis For Selected Waterbodies In The Gulf Of Mexico To Promote The Use Of Living Shorelines, Christoper Boyd, Xutong Niu, Taylor R. Horn

Journal of Extension

Living Shorelines are being promoted by coastal extension professionals as a more resilient nature-based solution to control shoreline erosion. The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences Living Shorelines Suitability Model was run in selected waterbodies within the Gulf of Mexico.

The locations of the selected water bodies, coastal data sets used, and shoreline protection recommendations generated by the Model are presented. A step-by-step statistical analysis conducted through ArcGIS Pro from these selected coastal shorelines will illustrate how extension professionals with novice GIS experience can use the model output to promote living shorelines to coastal property owners, city managers, and developers.

Scientifically Improving Integrated Water Governance For Resilient Flow Of The Yellow River, Shuai Wang, Shuang Song, Yanxu Liu, Xutong Wu, Enhui Jiang, Bojie Fu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The severe soil erosion and river channel disconnection along the Yellow River have been curbed. Still, the fundamental situation of prominent contradictions in the relationship between humans and water has not changed. Scientifically enhancing comprehensive management capabilities has become an important demand for high-quality development in the Yellow River basin during this new era. This study summarizes the fundamental ecological and hydrological changes in the Yellow River basin, and identifies three main characteristics, namely, sediment transport has significantly decreased, water resource shortages have intensified, and the relationship between humans and water has changed significantly. The four key challenges for sustainable …

Analysis Of International Carbon Budget Management Systems And Their Applicability To China, Wenjun Wang, Huiquan Huang, Xujie Zhao, Pengcheng Xie, Chonghui Fu, Qiaqia Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

China is establishing a carbon budget management system at both provincial and municipal levels. The carbon budget system, as a policy tool for integrating total carbon emission management and economic planning, has already been effective in developed countries. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the concept, core elements, and practical experiences of the carbon budget system, and compares international practices with China’s low-carbon management system in the context of national circumstances. It extracts elements from international experiences that provide empirical insights, exhibit reference value, and require localization and innovation. Based on the analysis, this study proposes the following policy …

Returning Power To The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe: Energy Policy And Tribal Autonomy, Nicolas Land-Kazlauskas

Capstone Collection

This policy brief addresses tribal autonomy, energy policy, and the resources of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in Massachusetts. Tribal sovereignty has been a difficult and often painful area of discussion for many tribal communities. For generations, tribes have had to carefully navigate their interactions with colonial forces and the residues of colonialist legacies, especially tied to resource wealth and decision-making. Even with the best of efforts by the tribe, their actions often have not impacted the basic legal or economic situations on-the-ground. Their on-going relationships with states and companies continue to undermine tribal autonomy and sovereignty oftentimes simply because they …

Mapping Urban Tree Canopy Using Publicly Available Satellite Data, Rosemary Mcguinness

Theses and Dissertations

This project addresses the need for accessible, cost-effective tools for quantifying spatial and temporal changes in tree canopy cover in urban areas. Urban tree canopy provides a wide range of ecosystem services, including lowering air temperatures, reducing pollution, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Cities around the world have placed the expansion of their urban forests at the center of their sustainability goals. Consistent and timely data on urban tree canopy is essential for urban greening initiatives to succeed. Existing methods of accessing information about urban tree canopy are highly technical, costly, and labor-intensive, while the freely available source of tree canopy …

Renewable Energy Perception And Policy Implementation In Rural Communities: Case Studies In The Ohio And Tennessee River Valleys, Madeline Petty

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Utility-scale renewable energy development allows clean energy production to fulfill energy demand and mitigate climate change. Development of utility-scale renewable energies such as wind and solar energy requires expansive tracts of land, typically found in rural areas. Rural center communities in the United States (U.S.) exhibit unique characteristics and ideologies that influence individuals’ perceptions of renewable energy about climate change. This research aimed to understand rural residents’ perception of renewable energy by surveying six rural center communities with varying levels of renewable energy. Surveys were distributed electronically to residents in these communities via mailers, digital ads, flyers, press releases, and …

“Lucid Waters And Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets”: Pathways And Prospects For Ecological Gdp In The Yellow River Basin, Guangqian Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

This study, following Xi Jinping’s ecological civilization philosophy and the two mountains concept, explores pathways for realizing ecological value and mechanisms for ecological GDP in the Yellow River Basin. The research demonstrates that the two mountains concept breaks through the limitations of traditional development paradigms, providing a foundational guide for ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. The research shows that constructing an ecological asset system and incorporating it into GDP accounting is the key to addressing the challenges of ecological value transformation. This requires adherence to the principles of “requisition-compensation balance” and “market-based transaction”, coupled with …

Theoretical Connotations And Chinese Practices Of Nature-Based Solutions, Bojie Fu, Jun Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The global ecological environment is confronted with severe challenges such as intensified climate change, drastic reduction of biodiversity and land degradation, which seriously affect the sustainable development of human beings. These challenges promote profound reflection on the relationship between human beings and nature. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) has emerged as an innovative concept of global ecological governance thateffectively responds to societal challenges. Its development has gone through embryonic stage, developmental stage and comprehensive application stage. Multidisciplinary principles such as restoration ecology and landscape ecology constitute the theoretical foundation of NbS. China has effectively integrated the concept of NbS with the construction …

Scientific Understanding And Transformation Pathways For “Ice And Snow Are Also As Valuable As Gold And Silver”, Qi Feng, Shijin Wang, Rongfang Zhao, Bao Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

“Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, and “ice and snow are also as valuable as gold and silver”. Excellent ecology, ecological enrichment, and happy life are concrete manifestations of the Chinese-style modernization featuring harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature. Compared with lucid waters and lush mountains, ice and snow covered land is mostly concentrated in winter and spring, making it rather difficult to transform them into mountains of gold and silver. How to forge a pathway of high-quality development of the ice and snow economy to drive the revitalization of rural industries in winter and spring is …

Three-Stage Transformation And Practical Path Of “Lucid Waters And Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets” Concept, Lei Shen, Chao Zhang, Shuai Zhong

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

“Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” concept (hereinafter referred to as two mountains concept) serves as the important component for China’s ecological civilization construction, breaking the dilemma of traditional development and environmental protection, and fostering the synergy between economy and ecology. Based on a framework integrating conceptual evolution, institutional construction, and practical implementation, this study examines the three stages: the awakening of paradigm and local breakthroughs during the ice-breaking period (2005–2012), system construction and national promotion in the establishment period (2013–2017), and value transformation and global contribution in the sublimation period (2018–present). The analysis reveals that the two …

Editorials

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Exploration And Practice Of Major Function Zoning Based On That “Lucid Waters And Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets, Jie Fan, Jian Gao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

President Xi Jinping’s thought of that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” has led China to modernize in a new form of ecological civilization, and it is also the general guideline for upgrading the major function zoning (MFZ) from planning to a national strategy and basic institution. Focusing on key ecological function zones of the MFZ, this study contends that the implementation of the MFZ strategy is a systematic exploration and innovative practice of the two mountains concept. It clarifies that the original intention of the MFZ is to protect lucid waters and lush mountains by combing through …

Practicing Concept Of “Lucid Waters And Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets” To Advance High-Quality Development Of Territorial Space, Kai Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” (two mountains concept) constitutes an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, providing the fundamental guidance for establishing China’s territorial space planning system and its associated technical framework. This study analyzes the specific manifestations and root causes of the periodic conflicts between urban development space and ecological space in China. It further examines the theoretical value and practical significance of the two mountains concept in fostering a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature from the perspective of spatial planning. Currently, China is in a critical period for …