Decision-making of territorial spatial planning in China: integrating sustainable development, stakeholder visions, and participatory approaches

Abstract

Public participation in planning, particularly within the decision-making process of Territorial Spatial Planning (TSP) in China, presents a complex yet crucial aspect of governance and sustainable development. This research examines and identifies the disparity between legislative mandates and practical implementation in public participation within the evolving governance landscape of China. Through an ontological lens grounded in critical realism, the research provides insights into the mechanisms driving public participation in TSP decision-making processes.

The research objectives are framed by four central questions: Q1: Why are land use decisions currently made in the way they are? Q2: What land use futures do different stakeholders want? Q3: How will the land use patterns evolve under scenarios that are preferred by different stakeholders? And Q4: How do Chinese government engage different stakeholders and members of the public in TSP decision-making?

Land use decisions in China predominantly follow a centralized approach due to the country's political and administrative structure. The Communist Party of China (CPC) plays a central role in policy formulation, often prioritizing rapid economic development and urbanization. However, recent shifts towards an “ecological civilization” discourse reflect a growing concern for sustainable development. Challenges exist in facilitating meaningful public engagement due to limited legal frameworks and transparency in decision-making processes.

Through a participatory scenario development process in Yubei District, the research explores the land use futures desired by different stakeholders. Stakeholders' preferences, ranging from ecological conservation to economic growth, highlight the complex interplay of national policies and local aspirations. The research anticipates the evolution of land use patterns under various scenarios, emphasizing the importance of balancing competing interests and fostering consensus among stakeholders.

Enhancing stakeholder and public engagement in TSP decision-making necessitates a multifaceted approach. Leveraging technology, conducting participatory workshops, and advocating for policy reforms are crucial steps towards fostering an inclusive decision-making environment within contemporary political constraints. The research reflects on the challenges and opportunities associated with promoting public participation in China's top-down decision-making context, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive and pragmatic strategies.

The research contributes to theoretical advancements by adopting a critical realism ontology to understand the issues, while integrating participatory approaches, sustainability assessment and spatial simulation modelling into TSP decision-making processes. The research's novelty lies in identifying the gap between legislative mandates and practical implementation of public participation within the Chinese context, offering insights into localized initiatives, technology integration, and policy advocacy for meaningful engagement. Further research directions include policy refinement, cross-cultural comparative studies, technology innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, with the aim of refining land use governance in China and beyond. The research underscores the importance of inclusive decision-making processes in fostering sustainable land use practices, contributing to broader goals of ecological conservation and socio-economic development in China.

Date of Award	17 Mar 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Nottingham
Supervisor	Yu-Ting Tang (Supervisor) & Chris Ives (Supervisor)