Ecological environment protection and governance for rural revitalization in Lijiang River Basin, China: A case study on Qingshitan reservoir

Due to Qingshitan Reservoir area’s unique geographical location, it plays a crucial role in the overall ecological environment protection of the Lijiang River Basin. However, there is a lack of research on the ecological environment of the Qingshitan reservoir area in the field of law. To address these gaps, this study aims to examine rural environmental protection and environmental governance in the Lijiang River Basin, highlighting the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to administer a questionnaire and conduct interviews in the Qingshitan Reservoir areas. The questionnaire was completed by 95 samples chosen via a cluster sampling method, whereas 15 interviewees were selected through a convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and thematic analysis were performed. The results indicated a crucial need to improve the coordination of legislation, balance economic growth and environmental protection, boost water pollution management, develop eco-tourism and ecological products, and promote ecological compensation policies. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the predictors influencing ecological quality of the rural areas in the Lijiang River Basin include active local participation in environmental protection, effective multi-department collaborative management, law and regulation protection, and involvement of public. Concerning key methodology, future research should include a larger sample of hundreds of respondents from all regions. Additionally, questionnaire and interview items should be tailored according to the ecological conditions of the central and lower regions of the Lijiang River Basin. Additional analysis of the legal framework for ecological conservation and rural governance should be conducted.