Policy and Practice Progress of Watershed Eco-compensation in China

The ecological protection of the watersheds in China is being confronted with a lot of problems such as soil and water erosion, water pollution at present. Therefore watershed eco-compensation is becoming a question of common interest. Based on the analyses of the major problems and their origins in the watershed protection in China, the paper discusses the concerned policies including relative rules and laws, financial policies and water right transaction policies. Simultaneously the paper reviews the practices carried out in China, including the ecological construction project in the western China, the trans-provincial eco-compensation practice and the small watershed eco-compensation practice. According to the present situation of eco-compensation practices and the future policy requirement, this paper finally puts forward four key problems to be solved in the watershed eco-compensation of China in the future.

Eco-compensation of Wetlands in Yellow River Delta of Shandong Province,China

Wetlands play an important ecological role and provide many functions for people, yet wetlands are cur- rently decreasing and deteriorating. The ability to calculate an economic value for the loss of wetlands is becoming in- creasingly important for policy makers. In this study, remote sensing, field investigations, department visits, and other methods were used to survey wetland types, assess wetland area changes, and calculate wetland economic value. Mar- ket value loss and ecological ftmction value loss, caused by reduction of wetland area and environmental pollution were calculated using commonly accepted methods of market valuation, ecological valuation, environmental protection investment cost analysis, and outcome parameters. According to market value loss and ecological function value loss, preliminarily fund allocation for wetland and ecological compensation was calculated. This will provide an important reference for future Yellow River Delta eco-compensation studies.

A Study on Marine Region Carrying Capacity and Eco-compensation

With the using up of land resources, people are beginning to pay attention to the exploitation of the ocean and the use of marine resources is becoming more and more intense. Whether and how the ocean can be sustainably exploited as it is being exploited is an academic hot topic. This question is addressed in this paper based on the theories of carrying capacity of a marine region and marine eco-compensation, and the amount of the loss is calculated by the method of Time Value of Capital. This thesis covers the study of eco-compensation between two specific subjects with clear compensation objects, and as a defined approach and standard, the proposed method has good operability and positive practical significance in the good use of the ocean.

Eco-compensation and Harmonious Regional Development in China

Harmonious regional development poses difficult problems, especially in so far as the harmonious regional development of ecological resources is concerned. China has explored several eco-compensation models, and in each province eco-compensation has different characteristics. These methods have had significant impacts. The aim of this paper is first to examine the meaning of ecocompensation and to present a framework for analyzing it. Next the development of eco-compensation in China is examined. Finally, four typical models of eco-compensation are compared: the government financial transfer payment compensation model; the ecological resource exploiters′ payment compensation model; the ecological destruction compensation model; and the ecological resource tax collection compensation model. Each model has its own unique feature and potential to contribute to harmonious regional development.

Forest eco-compensation mechanism:a survey

China is a country with a vast territory and a large population but limited forest resources, which is mainly distributed in the economically less developed regions. Therefore, it is particularly important to address the issue to establish forest eco-compensation mechanism to overcome the problems of inequity between the people and promote the public incentive for forest management and conservation. The definition of eco-compensation is deeply discussed based on the literature review of national and international initiatives. According to summary and analysis of the empirical work of forest eco-compensation at international level,some significant inspirations are duaw on this paper. Based on them, this paper focuses on the forest eco-compensation mechanism of china. Firstly, integrating with the actual situation of china, the paper puts forward the policy framework of eco-compensation .The institutional framework of eco-compensation should be established among the multi-departments with different temporal and spatial scales. Secondly, the types and ranges of forest eco-compensation are further studied, that is three levels of forest eco-compensation such as micro-level, macro-level as well as media-level, and then the standards of eco-com-pensation are primarily estimated which include the three factors, namely direct expense of plantation opporiunity cost for forests protection and benefits of forest ecosystem services.Finally the recommendation is created in terms of above research conclusions, which is provide the vital important references for government policy making in the forest eco-compensation domain.

Impact of Forest Eco-compensation Subsidy on Household Forest Input:Evidence from Jiangxi Province,China

Larger amount of national and provincial forest eco-compensation funds in China have been distributed to farmers annually,which aims to encourage farmers input more labor and fund in daily forestry management.We selected 503 household from 50 villages of 10 counties in Jiangxi Province in the paper.Household labor and cash input responded negatively towards forest eco-compensation fund in forestry management.Forest eco-compensation subsidy(FECS)granted to the household in the rural mountain area didn't stimulate the household labor and cash input in forestry management.It implies that it is not a wise way to distribute FECS equally to the rural household,so as to promote the forestry ecological quality.The current forest eco-compensation policy(FECP)need modifying urgently.

Research on EU Rural Eco-compensation Policy,Taking Scotland Rural Priority Scheme as an Example

Taking Scotland Rural Priority Scheme as an example, experiences of EU rural eco-compensation policy were discussed to enlighten China. The implementing objectives and processing program of Scottish policy were respectively set forth,including 6 steps of statement of Intent, proposal, assessment, contract signing, claims and inspections, breaches and penalties.Therein 3 meaningful aspects for the construction of current compensation mechanism in China were as following: keeping consistency between national and local policies to establish close connection in eco-goal and funding subsidy, setting both improved assessment procedure and scientific compensation system to promote the lasting implementation of environmental-friendly measures, making correspondent check and monitor mechanism together with breach and penalty mechanism to secure the payment execution.

Ecological and socioeconomic effects of China's policy for grassland eco-compensation

To reverse the continuous deterioration of grassland ecology and to improve the well-being of herders, China has been formulating many national policies on payments for grassland ecological conservation. One of them, the Grassland Eco-compensation Policy(GEP), is the biggest program for grassland protection in China since 1949. The GEP conserves natural grassland by paying herders cash subsidies. It also has worldwide significance because it can increase vegetative cover, improve the ecological balance, increase carbon sequestration and lessen the amount of dust reaching other countries through inhibiting soil erosion. Overall, we find that its ecological and socioeconomic effects are beneficial and further benefits may be observed in the future because while the socioeconomic effects usually appear quickly, ecological effects may take longer to manifest. 2015 is the last year for the first round of the GEP policy implementation and the extended policy for the GEP will be approved and continued by the central government. To make the policy more successful, we suggest coordinated planning, a comprehensive overview, higher compensation and collaborative study. Efficient implementation of the GEP could also provide valuable experience for other eco-compensation programs in China and numerous other regions of the world.

Current Status and Future Trends for Eco-compensation in China

Eco-compensation, known as payment for ecosystem services, is defined in China as an institutional arrangement for regulating the relationship of economic interests among ecological protectors, beneficiaries and destructors in order to protect ecological service function and foster harmony between people and nature with non-market and market tools including transfer payment, taxes and fees. Reasonable compensation to ecological service providers significantly contributes to the protection of ecological assets and effective supply of ecological services by adopting transfer payments or market transactions on the basis of comprehensively considering the costs of ecological protection, costs of development opportunity and ecological service values. It is helpful for implementing a strategy for main functional areas. The building of eco-compensation mechanisms is therefore highly valued as the most important institutional guarantee for promoting the ecological civilization. Existing ecocompensation mechanisms mainly fall into three categories： exchequer based transfer payment, vertical and horizontal, and market based compensation in China. The institutional framework has been primarily established, inclusive of a forest ecological benefit compensation fund system, grassland eco-compensation system and transfer payment system of national key ecological function areas. Under the framework, various areas and departments have actively explored the building of an eco-compensation system and achieved important progress for forests, grassland, wetlands, river basins and water resources, exploitation of mineral resources, oceans and national key ecological functions areas. However, the eco-compensation system dominated by vertical transfer payments is still far from perfect in China. The interest regulation pattern of ＂developer to protect and beneficiary to compensate＂has not been formed. Its role in the protection of the ecological environment has not been brought into full play. China should improve eco-compensation systems by intensifying eco-compensation inputs, strengthening government responsibility, diversifying eco-compensation tools, and establishing institutional systems.

Standards of Ecological Compensation for Traditional Ecoagriculture:Taking Rice-Fish System in Hani Terrace as an Example

Traditional eco-agriculture provides many ecosystem services which are important for the local environment, especially in mountain areas. In order to encourage the farmers to engage in coo-agriculture, it is necessary to establish an eco-compensation mechanism for them. As the compensation standard is one of key issues in establishing eeo-compensation mechanism, this paper calculated the standard based on the farmers＇ willingness to accept （WTA） and the input-output analysis of eco-compensation. We took the traditional rice-fish eco-agriculture as the research object, conducting field surveys in Hani Terrace of Honghe County. Through the questionnaires in 2o11, we obtained the farmers＇ willingness to accept government compensation and market compensation. Then, the research evaluated the output of eco-compensation, the economic value of rice-fish paddy ecosystem services. Finally, under different market compensation standards, we compared the input and output of government compensation. The results show that, in 2011 the government should to pay farmers 7462 yuan.ha^-1·a^-1 to meet their willingness, but the output （ecological benefit） was only 7393 yuan.ha^-1·a^-1. However, whenthe rice price increases 1 yuan·kg-1 because of the limited use of chemicals in the next year, the government just has to pay farmers 4062 yuan.ha^-1·a^-1 and the surplus will be 3331 yuan.ha^-1·a^-1.

Transverse Eco-compensation Standards for Water Conservation:A Case Study of the Middle Route Project of South-to-North Water Diversion in China

In China,the distribution of water resources is incompatible with the development of productivity.The construction of South-to-North Water Diversion Project has achieved inter-basin water diversion,and the project can alleviate the uneven distribution of water resources phenomenon effectively.However,in recent years,the aggregate effects of water pollution and water resource shortages have been serious.Establishing transverse eco-compensation mechanisms becomes the key method to achieve sustainable use of water resources.Based on statistical and questionnaire data,this paper uses the Opportunity Costs Method and Willingness to Pay approach to establish a transverse eco-compensation standard calculation model for the Middle Route Project of the Southto-North Water Diversion.The results show that the upper and lower limits of the transverse eco-compensation standard for the Middle Route Project is $2.52 billion and $2.20 billion every year,respectively.However,the paying and receiving standards varied widely among different compensation payers and compensation receivers.Meanwhile,the significant factors influencing the paying willingness of the receiver area citizens were age,education level,average revenue per month,knowledge about the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and recognition of the importance of eco-environmental integrity.This study began with a theoretical analysis,then analysed related problems related to calculating transverse eco-compensation standards for the Middle Route Project of the South-to-North Water Diversion by an empirical study.This empirical study helps to establish effective transverse eco-compensation mechanisma and promotea the development of effective policies and legislation.

Quantitative standard of eco-compensation for the water source area in the middle route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project in China

The Middle Route Project(MRP)of the Southto-North Water Transfer Scheme(SNWT)in China will require a very large financial expenditure to ensure the water supply and the associated water quality to northern China.An eco-compensation mechanism between the water service source areas and its beneficiaries is essential.This paper establishes an analytic framework of ecocompensation standard for the protection of the water source area,including both the calculation of ecocompensation based on opportunity cost method(OCM)and calculation of the burden sharing of eco-compensation between the water source area and the external water reception area based on the deviation square method(DSM).Taking Shiyan City,Hubei Province in China as a case study,our results show that the eco-compensation in the first-phase of MRP for the water source area in Shiyan,Hubei Province should be 1.63×10^(10) CNY,about four times of planned eco-construction investment budget(4.33×10^(9) CNY).In addition,the burden sharing of eco-compensation varied greatly in terms of different methods.It would be better to integrate the results of different single-factor burden sharing methods by determining the corresponding weighting coefficient with DSM and form one unanimous consent result by the interested parties.

A study of provincial differences in China＇s eco-compensation framework

In this study, we developed a theoretical framework to analyze the provincial differences in eco-compensation and selected appropriate measurement methods to investigate these differences in the operation of the eco-compensation framework. Via the use of the coefficient of variation, Atkinson index, and Gini coefficient, we investigated the overall differences in Chinese provincial eco-compensation time series data from 2004 to 2014 and studied the driving mechanism underlying these differences. The results showed that：（1） The provincial eco-compensation standard has geographical features. For example, the provinces crossed by the ＂HU Huanyong Line＂, or located to its northwestern side, have obtained extensive eco-compensation.（2） There was a trend for differences in eco-compensation to increase over time, but with some fluctuations in 2006, 2009, and 2014 as shown by the coefficient of variation, in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2014 as shown by the Gini coefficient, and in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 as shown by the Atkinson index.（3） Time series curves indicated that while the signals from the three metrics（coefficient of variation, Atkinson index, and Gini coefficient） differ in a short-term analysis, they show the same tendency in the longer term. The results indicate that it is necessary to evaluate the differences in eco-compensation at the provincial level over a long period of time.（4） Via the calculation of the virtual Gini coefficient, we found that among the factors that influence provincial differences in eco-compensation, the economic value of eco-resources played the decisive role, explaining more than 73% of the difference. The cost of environmental pollution abatement was the second most important factor, accounting for more than 19% of the difference. The input to environmental pollution abatement had the least influence, accounting for less than 8% of the difference. The results agreed with those obtained from other studies, and could be used as a reference by policy makers.

Game strategies in government-led eco-compensation in the Xin'an River Basin from the perspective of the politics of scale

China's policy on ecological compensation(eco-compensation)in watershed ecosystems is of economic,social and environmental significance for China's ecological governance and protection of natural areas.It involves balancing the interests of regional stakeholders,coordinating the development of regional environments and establishing effective cooperation models,making it a classic topic for geographical research.This study introduces the concept of institutional"stickiness"to the theory of politics of scale to analyze the features and mechanisms of the game behavior of government entities in the process of implementing watershed eco-compensation in the Xin'an River Basin.Our results show the following:government entities at various levels,including the central,provincial and municipal governments,experienced the three stages of game strategy of competition,cooperation and"coopetition";building a government community of shared interests can promote watershed eco-compensation,and"appropriate intervention"by the central government is key to achieving inter-provincial watershed eco-compensation;there was clear institutional stickiness during the transition from a"vertical"model of watershed eco-compensation to a"vertical-horizontal"model,with government entities using policy innovations and social participation to limit and reduce stickiness so as to reshape the watershed eco-compensation system;scalar jumping is the core mechanism that promoted eco-compensation in the study basin,and government entities shaped the discourse on watershed eco-compensation by redistributing powers and capital and creating informal constraints,which promoted the transformation of eco-compensation from a"strong state–weak society"structural model,to a"strong state–strong society"model in the Xin'an River Basin.These results can provide theoretical support for the construction of inter-regional watershed eco-compensation mechanisms,provide a scientific basis for the rational evaluation and guidance of watershed eco-compensation practices,and promote the coordinated and sustainable socioeconomic development of watersheds.

Comparison on Eco-compensation between the Domestic and International Studies

Because it offers an effective means to alleviate current ecological problems and a way to coordinate sustainable economic and social development with protection of the environment,eco-compensation has become a subject of interest to scholars and governments all over the world.A great many studies have been carried out and eco-compensation schemes have been put into practice;there have been many fruitful results.Based on a review of related research and practices,this paper attempts first to discuss domestic and international eco-compensation research and practices in terms of the meaning of eco-compensation and its components（stakeholders,compensation criteria,compensation modes,compensation approaches,compensation funds,and compensation effects）.Next,taking into consideration the above discussion,the paper looks at the differences between Chinese and international eco-compensation measures.Finally,existing problems with eco-compensation research and practices in China are summarized and some suggestions are put forward.

Research on market-based policy instruments for eco-environmental protection

The selection of policy instruments involves policy efficiency and policy effect.Effective settlement of eco-environment problems in the process of industrialization and implementation of active eco-environment protection depend on the innovation of policy instruments.In this paper,based on a descriptive analysis of the policy instruments for ecoenvironmental protection of our country,combined with the theoretical analysis and the empirical research on current marketization of eco-environmental protection,the authors indicate that eco-environmental problems originate fi'om the damage of eco-environment and the extemalities of eco-service,and that the market-based policy instruments which are helpful to balance the relationship between fight,responsibility and interest in the eco-service are effective measures to eliminate externalities and protect eco-environment.

Chinese Policies and Practices regarding Payments for Ecological Services in Watersheds

Watersheds provide a variety of ecological services including soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection. However, activities in a fast-growing economy significantly impact the supply and demand of these watershed services. To mitigate these impacts, the concept of payment for environmental and ecosystem services from water-sheds has emerged in global academic and policy circles. The governments and academic communities in China have increas-ingly described payments for ecological services from watersheds with the concept of watershed eco-compensation as it is urgent to protect watershed ecosystems. Watershed eco-compensation has proved to be one of the most economically effective means of solving environmental problems of watersheds to be adopted by the Chinese government. This paper presents an objective analysis of the Chinese market for watershed ecosystem services, including supply and demand for the services. It also summarizes Chinese policies on watershed eco-compensation, including relevant laws and regulations and fiscal policies. In addition, it presents a re-view of Chinese practices in watershed eco-compensation, in-cluding the analysis of an ecological construction project in West-ern China, inter-provincial watershed eco-compensation practices and plans, and payment for ecological services at the provincial and small watershed levels. Finally, it summarizes the key com-ponents of the process of payment in Chinese watershed eco-compensation. This discussion forms the basis of concluding suggestions for ecosystem services compensation and ecological protection in the large scale river basin.

Responses of Ecosystems to Ecological Compensation in a Key Ecological Function Area of the Loess Plateau

Evaluation of the ecological effects of eco-compensation policies helps analyze policy rationality and feasibility and provides scientific and practical bases for perfecting eco-compensation systems. Taking the key ecological function area of the Loess Plateau, China as a case study, we have evaluated ecosystem responses to the Grain-for-Green Project that commenced in 1999. Six indicators were selected to assess changes in ecosystem structure, quality and function. The results showed that implementation of the Grain-for-Green Project has reduced sloping cropland by 1571 km2 and increased ecological land by 1337 km2. The increase in ecological land alters ecosystem structures across the study area and the decline in sloping cropland reduces farming activity interference; both of these are conducive to the restoration of natural vegetation. From 2000 to 2010, the vegetation cover of grassland, desert and forest ecosystems increased 10.89%, 8.34% and 4.24% respectively and average NPP rose 51%, with an average annual growth rate of around 5%. This indicates that eco-compensation has promoted the improvement of ecosystem quality. Total biomass of ecosystems increased two times on average from 2000 to 2010, meaning that the carbon sequestration capacity of ecosystems also increased. The reduction in the area of water loss and soil erosion and the increase in retained runoff by forests indicate an improvement in ecosystem function and services on the Loess Plateau.

Payments for Grassland Ecosystem Services:A Comparison of Two Examples in China and Germany

目前,草地生态系统退化成为全球关注的问题。生态补偿机制(PES)是为了草地生态系统的恢复/保护,采取补贴或支付费用的方式,改变使用者资源利用方式的制度安排。科学、合理的生态补偿制度需要全面地考虑可能出现的风险和挑战:如环境效益的滞后性,不可预见的监督、管理成本和社会经济目标(足额补偿标准、公平)的实现。本文的目标是通过中德两国生态补偿措施的对比(选取中国内蒙古锡林郭勒盟,德国勃兰登堡州为案例区域进行研究),为今后中德两国的生态补偿理论和实践提供依据。研究着重以下四个方面进行分析:中德两国生态补偿的实施框架,目标人群,实施效果评估等。研究结果表明,由于缺乏有效的激励机制,农户作为最基层的执行单位和实施者,其参与的主动性不够,中德两国生态补偿措施实施的成效有待提高。基于研究结果,提出了今后生态补偿项目设计中,中国应侧重于项目实施的监控和管理制度;而德国应在空间目标规划和具体管理措施和方式等方面进行完善。

Surplus or deficit? Quantifying the total ecological compensation of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region

The calculation of ecological compensation and boundary identification of stakeholders represent the key challenges for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region in its implementation of the trans-regional ecological compensation mechanism.Breaking administrative boundaries and spatially coordinating ecological resources helps to restructure an ecological compensation mechanism of the region based on the coordinated development of Beijing,Tianjin and Hebei.According to the estimated ecological assets in the counties of the region in 2000,2005,2010 and 2015,a quantitative model for total ecological compensation was built based on ecological assets and county-level economic development.Then,the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the total ecological compensation in the region were defined,and the boundaries of ecological surplus and deficit areas were identified.Results indicate:(1)The region’s annual average ecological assets amounted to￥1379.47 billion;in terms of annual total ecological assets,Hebei ranked first(￥1123.80 billion),followed by Beijing(￥157.46 billion)and Tianjin(￥98.21 billion);and in terms of ecological assets per unit area,Beijing ranked first,Tianjin second and Hebei last.(2)Among ecosystem services,hydrological regulation and climate regulation had the highest annual average value and contributed most to the increase in ecological assets.In 2015,the contribution of water and soil conservation to the total ecological assets decreased to-15.66%,showing the degradation of the function played by different ecosystems.(3)The ecological surplus of the region in four periods of 2000,2005,2010 and 2015 were￥398.98 billion,￥870.37 billion,￥1254.93 billion and￥2693.94 billion respectively,basically offsetting the ecological deficit of each corresponding period,but the urgency for ecological compensation was increased.(4)The ecological surplus and deficit areas showed a great fluctuation in different time periods.Larger time span means more noticeable convergence of deficit areas towards central and eastern areas.Public resources such as education,transportation and medical care in central urban areas should be decentralized to encourage population dispersal,weaken the agglomeration effect of deficit areas and finally achieve the ecological synergy of the region.