Page 11 - JCAU-7-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Techniques for eco red-line management

(Brauch et al., 2011). In China, rapid economic growth security, addressing specific environmental security
and environmental degradation have accentuated the concerns at various “points” within a region remains critical
imperative for ecological security (Liu et al., 2015). China’s (Smith et al., 2020). Integrating technical solutions for
journey toward ecological security can be traced back to the regional ecological protection, red-line management, and
late 20 century when the country embarked on economic control is crucial for refining methodologies and enhancing
th
reforms and opened up to the global market, leading the institutional framework governing these ecological red
to severe environmental degradation (Li et al., 2017). lines. This integrated approach will contribute to ensuring
Recognizing the need to address these challenges, China ecological security across broader areas and advancing
has prioritized ecological security as a key component of sustainable development goals.
its sustainable development agenda (Yin et al., 2019).
Over the years, China has introduced various policies 2. Historical evolution of ecological
and initiatives aimed at enhancing ecological security protection red lines
(State Council of China, 2011), with the establishment Since the reform and opening up in the late 1970s, China
of ecological red lines emerging as one of the most has experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization,
significant measures (State Council of China, 2011a). resulting in the continual expansion of construction land at
These ecological red lines have become a cornerstone of the expense of agricultural land and ecological spaces. This
China’s environmental governance strategy, guiding land trend has exacerbated conflicts between environmental
use planning and resource management decisions (Wu protection and economic growth, underscoring the need
& Zhang, 2018). However, challenges persist, particularly for a regional approach to ecological protection red-line
in balancing economic development with environmental management and control from an ecological security
protection (Chen et al., 2020). Effective monitoring and perspective (Li & Chen, 2020). In 2000, Gao (2000)
enforcement mechanisms, which require substantial introduced the concept of “red-line control” in ecological
resources, are also crucial for the success of ecological red planning in Anji county, Zhejiang Province, China,
lines (Li & Li, 2017). advocating for the prioritization of environmental and
Despite these challenges, opportunities exist to enhance ecological factors in land use planning. Similarly, scholars
ecological security through innovative approaches such such as Wang & Yu (2003) have proposed concepts,
as ecosystem-based adaptation and green infrastructure such as “urban ecological planning” and “anti-planning,”
development (Zhang et al., 2020). Given China’s status as emphasizing the importance of preserving natural and
the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, its pursuit biological processes.
of ecological security has broader implications for global The implementation of these concepts began to solidify
sustainability efforts (Duan & Liu, 2019). Therefore, with the issuance of the Pearl River Delta Environmental
international cooperation and knowledge exchange are Protection Planning Outline and Basic Ecological Control
essential for addressing shared environmental challenges Line Management Regulations in Guangdong province
and achieving collective ecological security goals (Ding and Shenzhen city in 2005 (Guangdong Provincial
et al., 2018). People’s Government, 2005; Shenzhen Municipal People’s
China’s rapid economic and social development, Government, 2005). In 2006, the national Eleventh
coupled with extensive land and resource exploitation over 5-year Plan advocated for the formation of regional
the past four decades, has posed a significant threat to its main functional areas, with zones delineated according
land and ecological security framework (Smith et al., 2020). to development potential and environmental capacity
To mitigate this threat, it is essential to delineate restricted (National Development and Reform Commission,
areas for resource and environmental development and 2006). However, substantive progress was not made until
utilization (Jones & Wang, 2018). Addressing this threat 2011, when the State Council proposed the concept of
necessitates targeted initiatives in resource classification, ecological red lines and delineated specific tasks for their
environmental remediation, and ecological restoration and implementation (State Council of China, 2011a).
protection to establish a comprehensive land ecological The subsequent release of the Technical Guidelines
security framework (Li & Zhang, 2019). for Delineating Ecological Red Lines in 2012 marked a
The process of delineating ecological red lines, mandated significant advancement, initiating pilot projects in several
by the State Council since 2011 (State Council of the People’s provinces (Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the
Republic of China., 2011), is gradually nearing completion People’s Republic of China, 2012). In 2013, the ecological
(State Council of China, 2011a). While this initiative red-line system was elevated to a national strategy, further
provides a framework for maintaining regional ecological emphasizing its strategic importance (The Central People’s

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3502