Promoting sustainable development goals through the Chinese concept of eco-civilization: A Delphi study of priority areas in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor

The concept of eco-civilization, or “shengtai wenming jianshe” in Chinese, emerged in academic circles in the 1980s and was officially adopted by the Chinese Communist Party in 2007. This concept highlights the profound harm human activities inflicted on nature, climate, and biodiversity. Given the global environmental challenges posed by human actions and economic activities, it is crucial to promote ecological civilization universally. This paper aims to uncover the key aspects of eco-civilization to address challenges related to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major project under the Belt and Road Initiative. It emphasizes aligning CPEC with green development goals to support sustainable economic progress in Pakistan and China. The study employs semi-structured interviews, a modified four-round Delphi method, and calculates a priority index. The research population includes climate experts, scholars, researchers, academics, policymakers, industrialists, and environmentalists from both countries, providing valuable insights into eco-civilization. Using an iterative approach with continuous feedback informing each round of the Delphi technique allows for systematic conceptualization, evaluation, and ranking of factors to develop a comprehensive priority index. The findings emphasize the necessity of embedding ecological principles in regional development strategies to maximize CPEC’s contribution to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. By promoting ecological harmony, resilience, and sustainability, this research offers a strategic framework for leveraging CPEC as a model for sustainable development that could positively impact neighboring regions and global communities.