Case analysis and design logic framework of eco-environment-oriented development (EOD) in China

As China undergoes a strategic shift from a growth-centric development paradigm to one that prioritizes environmental sustainability, the Eco-Environment-Oriented Development (EOD) model has emerged as a policy innovation and is currently being implemented across multiple jurisdictions. This study seeks to elucidate the core characteristics and underlying design logic of the EOD model in the Chinese context through an integrated approach that combines case study analysis with theoretical investigation, while also identifying the inherent limitations and challenges of existing research. The development of the EOD model typically unfolds in three sequential stages. First, a designated area is identified for ecological integration, environmental protection, and restoration. Next, targeted industries and supporting infrastructure are introduced to promote land development in line with ecological goals. Finally, a long-term operational phase commences, with regular monitoring and evaluation of input-output metrics to determine holistic efficacy. This model, as an innovative approach to planning and development, provides an effective strategy for reconciling the tensions between China’s pursuit of high-quality, sustainable urban-rural development and the nation’s ecological and low-carbon goals, thereby helping China avoid the “develop first, address environmental damage later” trajectory observed by many industrialized nations.