Linking Natural Resource Dependence to Sustainable Household Wellbeing: A Case Study in Western China

Abstract

To reduce the threat of natural disasters, protect natural resources, and promote human wellbeing, Shaanxi Province, China has implemented the largest disaster resettlement project since 2011. It has moved 2.4 million people in three prefectures over 10 years. Using survey data from southern Shaanxi, China, this article measures sustainable household wellbeing (SHWB) and natural resource dependence in the context of disaster resettlement. It explores the differences in SHWB and natural resource dependence across different groups and relocation characteristics. To specifically analyze the effects of natural resource dependence on SHWB, ordinary least square (OLS) regression models were used to investigate their relationship. The results show that natural resource dependence shows significant positive correlation with SHWB. Meanwhile, the food dependence, energy dependence, and income dependence of relocated households show significant positive correlation with SHWB. Additionally, the SHWB of relocated households, voluntary relocation households, and centralized relocation households is significantly lower than local households, involuntary relocation households, and scattered relocation households. These findings have broader implications for rural communities in China and other developing countries, and are crucial for rural households to change the heavy dependence on natural resources and improve their wellbeing.

A Review of Research on Progress in the Theory and Practice of Eco-Product Value Realization

“…(1) High-frequency words in the green group include ecological product, mechanism, realization, China, theory and concept, which reflect scholars' high degree of attention to the theoretical framework and mechanism of ecological products and their value realization, especially Chinese scholars. (2) The high-frequency words in the blue group include ecosystem, ecosystem service, service, accounting, and index. The research involves accounting for ecosystem services and their value.…”

“…It aims to contribute to the forefront of thought, providing theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the more extensive promotion of shared prosperity and equitable development rights for urban and rural populations. Additionally, this policy agenda seeks to contribute to the higher-level enhancement of rural spatial governance [1,2], aligning with cutting-edge trends, theoretical underpinnings, and practical guidance. There is an additional aim to construct a theoretical framework with universal application, providing a theoretical system and practical experience applicable to the sustainable development of countries for the attainment of global ecosystem services.…”