Polycentric governance for rural production-living-ecological space: Lessons from an ethnic mountain village in China and implications for global sustainable development

Abstract

Within the framework of the global sustainable development goals, rural spatial governance has become a core issue for the international community to harmonize human-land relations and respond to the ecological crisis. This paper develops an analytical framework for the polycentric governance of rural “production-living-ecological” space (PLES) from the perspective of commons governance. Taking Songdong Village, located in the mountainous region of Yunnan Province, China, as a case study, we empirically analyze the external environment, governance actions, and outcomes of its PLES governance. The findings indicate that: (1) The complex challenges posed by biophysical conditions, community attributes, and rules-in-use necessitate collaborative efforts by multiple stakeholders in governing the PLES. (2) The driving mechanism behind the spatial optimization of production-living-ecology in this case is the integration of diverse actors into a flat governance network, which fosters stable inter-subjective cooperation through a benefit linkage mechanism, and enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the polycentric governance system via a feedback mechanism. (3) Under polycentric governance, the local production space has become more intensive and efficient, the living space more comfortable and livable, and the ecological space more vibrant, with restored landscapes and healthier ecosystems. The insights from this study not only address a significant gap in the literature on polycentric governance but also offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for rural revitalization and sustainable development in mountainous, border, and ethnic regions globally.