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Sumra, et al.

emphasizing grassroots environmental sustainability. experts’ responses in the previous phase. Figure 1
Canada has excelled in leveraging its Pan-Canadian illustrates the flow chart of the research framework
Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, of the study. This Delphi technique in Figure 1 was
which combines carbon pricing, renewable energy structured into four iterative rounds and designed to
expansion, and conservation policies to address SDG progressively refine and prioritize the study’s research
13. These strategies have been tailored to align with objectives. Each round is built on the findings of
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Canada’s vast natural resources and low population the previous one, ensuring a systematic approach to
density, demonstrating adaptability to regional needs. In consensus-building.
contrast, China addresses domestic ecological concerns
and promotes global environmental cooperation. 19 3.2. Research questions associated with the research
China’s ecological sustainability model stands out framework
for its unique approach to integrating “Ecological The research framework was explicitly designed
Civilization” with rapid economic development. Unlike to address the study’s central questions and ensure
other models that focus primarily on technological coherence across all Delphi rounds. Each research
innovations or urban sustainability, China’s strategy question was linked to specific Delphi phases:
emphasizes a balanced approach, incorporating social (i) Question 1: What is currently driving China’s vision?
equity, poverty alleviation, and ecological restoration This question traces the origin and development
at an unprecedented scale. In 2024, China ranks as of the concept of ecological civilization in China,
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the second-largest economy in the world, following highlighting its inception and key influences.
the United States (US), and is the leading industrial (ii) Question 2: Is the Chinese vision of eco-civilization
power. However, China is also a major contributor implacable in CPEC? This section focuses on
to global industrial pollution, accounting for 30% of the implication of possible steps of ecological
global CO emissions, with the US being the second civilization in the CPEC project.
2
largest emitter after China. Given these factors, (iii) Question 3: How is eco-civilization possible in
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China aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by CPEC? This section outlines the roadmap for
2060, aligning its policies with SDGs. However, the implementing ecological civilization.
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US–China trade conflict and the war in Ukraine have (iv) Question 4: What is the main purpose? Formulating
hindered the progress toward the SDGs in China. To important questions to identify problems and
remain on track, China must fully embrace the concept develop an approach using the Delphi method, while
of eco-civilization. 11 addressing these questions within an appropriate
scope.
3. Research methodology Hence, the research framework of the study addresses
and connects all these questions. It also outlines the core
This study employs an exploratory research design concepts behind each question and the Delphi rounds.
grounded in a qualitative methodological approach
to explore the applicability and implications of the 3.3. The rationale of each Delphi round
ecological civilization concept, particularly in the The Delphi technique was structured into four iterative
context of China’s vision and its potential adaptation to rounds, each designed to progressively refine and
the CPEC. The Delphi method was utilized as the core prioritize the study’s research objectives.
research framework to achieve the objectives of this (i) Round 1: Conceptualizing core elements
study. This method, characterized by iterative rounds of This round defined foundational concepts, focusing
structured and semi-structured surveys, was instrumental on the theoretical framework of ecological civilization.
in synthesizing expert insights and deriving consensus A structured, close-ended questionnaire identified key
on critical research questions. In addition, statistical variables such as ecological governance and sustainable
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tools, such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences resource management within the CPEC context,
(SPSS), were employed to develop a priority index, ensuring clarity and alignment.
enabling a robust analysis of the collected data. (ii) Round 2: Investigation or exploration:
Using insights from Round 1, an open-ended
3.1. Research framework questionnaire deepened the analysis of eco-civilization
The research framework is based on the study’s research principles in CPEC infrastructure. This phase provided
questions. Each phase in the framework is based on rich qualitative insights.

Volume 22 Issue 1 (2025) 4 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8483