China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand the ancient land routes that connect China to the Mediterranean Sea and corresponding ocean- based routes, is expanding global cooperation with profound socioeconomic and ecological implications. As China and associated countries are developing specific policies to implement the initiative, it is important to analyze and integrate major relevant issues. In this article, we discuss several major challenges facing the Belt and Road region: complex natural features, mismatched resources, shared ecological issues, and diverse socioeconomic conditions. To meet the challeng-es, we apply the integrated framework of telecoupling (socioeconomic and environmental interactions over distances) and propose to enhance infrastructure connection, transboundary actions, scientific and cultural exchanges, and institutional innovations within the Belt and Road region;and collaborate with more interna-tional organizations and countries beyond the Belt and Road region for a prosperous and sustainable world.
Dewei YangJingjing CaiVanessa HullKaiyong WangYin-Phan TsangJianguo Liu
We propose two zoning frameworks for regional decision-makers to regulate eco-economic capital in Lijiang,southwest China,using an index system,layer overlay,and GIS spatial analysis.The frameworks include eco-economic zoning and major function-oriented zoning,with an emphasis on ecoeconomic capital and human activities.The two frameworks share common advantages in top-down resource regulation by a certain function and the pursuit of competitiveness,sustainability and welfare fairness.Their differences in development orientation,functional links and scale suitability provide a complementary approach for regional decisionmakers.The frameworks will help to understand complex eco-economic resource patterns and foster appropriate regional regulation strategies.
