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Sumra, et al.

1. Introduction 2. Literature review

In an era marked by escalating environmental challenges 2.1. Theoretical support and analytical framework
and the urgent need to meet the United Nations’ Theoretical perspectives, as proposed by Lechner et al.,
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sustainable development goals (SDGs), the concept of offer frameworks for logically connecting various
eco-civilization, originating from traditional Chinese concepts and processes. A contemporary interpretation
philosophical thought, particularly Confucianism, of ecological civilization is derived from Wen Tiejun’s
presents a transformative framework for harmonizing ideas, which are inspired by the “Rural Reconstruction
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human progress with nature. The term eco-civilization, Movement” of the 1920s. This movement, led by
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or “shengtai wenming jianshe” (生态文明建设) in prominent Chinese environmentalists and ecologists,
Chinese, gained prominence in academic discussions emphasized the intricate relationship between humans
during the 1980s and officially became a part of the and nature. Historically, this relationship has been
Chinese Communist Party’s political discourse in 2007. marked by significant environmental degradation,
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Eco-civilization emphasizes the delicate interplay highlighting the need for a balanced coexistence
between biotic and abiotic systems, advocating for a between human society and the natural world. Zinda
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sustainable approach that respects natural processes et al. argue that humans are inherently bio-social
rather than dominating them. As “eco” pertains to beings, dependent on society and the surrounding
ecology or the environment, the term “ecology” refers to environment, underscoring the critical importance of
the intricate relationships between living organisms and the environment in human life. 11
their surrounding environment. Unlike conventional The concept of ecological civilization is deeply
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development models, which often disrupt the ecological rooted in traditional Chinese thoughts, such as the “unity
balance, eco-civilization calls for a holistic integration of man and nature,” eco-socialism, and dialectical
of spiritual, organizational, and material advancements, materialism, offering a comprehensive critique of the
to create synergy between environmental protection, interaction between human society and the natural
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societal well-being, and economic growth. 3 environment. The eco-socialist theory provides a
profound framework for understanding ecological crises
Ecological ethics has long been central to Chinese by emphasizing the metabolic rift – an eco-socialist
culture, offering a visionary framework that transcends concept that describes the disruption of natural cycles
the materialistic focus of civilizations shaped since the caused by capitalist modes of production. This theory
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Renaissance. Chinese environmentalists have critically highlights the inherent contradictions within capitalism
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examined how the nation’s perspectives on global that lead to environmental degradation, advocating for
civilization reflect growing environmental challenges. a socialist transformation to restore harmony between
Furthermore, this concept has ignited ongoing debates humanity and nature. 12
among Chinese scholars, highlighting its potential to Eco-socialism, as a contemporary extension of
address urgent environmental and climatic crises. The eco-civilization thought, builds on this foundation
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China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $46 by proposing systemic changes that integrate social
billion project, with $34 billion allocated for energy, justice with ecological sustainability. It critiques the
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has faced criticism for its environmental impact, commodification of nature under capitalist systems
particularly due to carbon emissions from coal-based and calls for the collective management of resources
projects. However, by adopting China’s eco-civilization to achieve sustainable development. Prominent eco-
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philosophy, Pakistan could reposition CPEC as a model socialist theorists emphasize that ecological civilization
for sustainable development, addressing environmental requires a departure from consumer-driven growth
concerns while aligning with the broader goals of the models, advocating instead for an economy centered
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 6 on human needs and environmental health. This vision
This paper aims to uncover the significant areas in aligns with the SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate
the Chinese vision of eco-civilization that could address Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by advocating for
CPEC’s environmental challenges moving forward. equitable and ecologically mindful development. 9
As a mega project within the BRI, CPEC holds the The integration of ecological principles into socialist
potential to align with global sustainability targets, such frameworks also draws on dialectical materialism,
as the United Nations’ SDGs, particularly those related which underscores the interconnectedness of all natural
to climate action and sustainable infrastructure. 7 and social systems. By viewing the environment not
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Volume 22 Issue 1 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8483