Sustainable Development of Water Ecological Economy under the “Two Mountains Theory”: International Experiences and Implications

Based on an analysis of sustainable water resource utilization cases in water-rich regions worldwide, this study systematically examines water resource development models in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hunan, and other provinces in China, alongside the practical experiences of ecological value transformation in Japan, Hungary, New Zealand, France, and other countries. By comparing and analyzing the pathways for converting water resource ecological value into economic value domestically and internationally, the study distills key lessons and insights from global sustainable water ecological economy practices. The findings indicate that the transformation of water resources' ecological value in China exhibits three notable characteristics: ( 1) the coordinated development of industrial diversification and the ecological economy; (2) the pivotal role of policy guidance and institutional innovation; and (3) the synergistic relationship between ecological restoration and sustainable development. However, the study also reveals that significant challenges remain in China’s property rights framework, industrial structures, and governance efficiency concerning the sustainable utilization of water resources. Drawing on international best practices, the study proposes several recommendations for advancing the sustainable development of China’s water ecological economy: (1) refining the water resource property rights system to enhance market-based allocation efficiency; (2) fostering innovative models of industrial integration to promote high-value-added industries; (3) strengthening collaborative governance mechanisms to improve policy coordination and enforcement; and (4) establishing a resilient and sustainable investment and financing system to support long-term development. These measures aim to facilitate the efficient transformation of water resources' ecological value into economic benefits through institutional innovation and market optimization, thereby promoting the sustainable growth of the water ecological economy.