Will new-type urbanization enhance sustainable potential of rural water resources in China? − Based on an improved water poverty framework

In the context of new-type urbanization, it is of great significance to clarify its impact on the rural water sustainability for achieving sustainable utilization of rural water resources and agricultural green production. Based on the improved water poverty framework, this study firstly evaluates and analyzes the sustainable potential of water resources in rural China. Secondly, PVAR model is used to explore the interactive response relationship between the new-type urbanization and the sustainable potential of rural water resources. Finally, the spatial Durbin model is used to clarify the spatial spillover effect and regional heterogeneity of new-type urbanization impact on the sustainable potential of rural water resources. The results show that: Firstly, During the study period, the water poverty efficiency in rural China shows a trend of fluctuation and decline, indicating that the sustainable potential of rural water resources is constantly being weaken, and the regional imbalance is prominent, with higher potential in eastern and western regions and lower potential in central and northeast regions. Secondly, The new-type urbanization level shows a steady growth trend, but there is a non-equilibrium between regions and provinces, the new-type urbanization level in most provinces still has a large room for improvement. Thirdly, There is a long-term stable equilibrium relationship between new-type urbanization and sustainable potential of rural water resources, and the two systems can develop dynamically. Finally, The new-type urbanization can significantly improve the sustainable potential of rural water resources in the local area, but has negative spillover effects on the surrounding areas. In terms of different regions, except for the central region, new-type urbanization is conducive to improving the sustainable potential of rural water resources in other regions, and it is an important driving force for promoting sustainable development of rural water resources. • The sustainable potential of rural water resources is constantly being weaken in China. • The new-type urbanization level in most provinces are still low. • There is a long-term stable equilibrium relationship between NUB and WPE. • The NUB improve the WPE in the local area, but not on the surrounding areas.