Work

Why are grassland protection regulations in China Elusive in enforcement? Study of X Banner, Inner Mongolia

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study adopts a process-oriented research perspective to explore the mechanisms of grassland law enforcement and assess its efficacy. Through an extensive investigation of enforcement practices in the grasslands of X Banner, Inner Mongolia, it posits that “weak enforcement” reflects an inadequate response by enforcers to societal expectations. The study reveals that enforcement capacity and various factors from overlapping domains in the enforcement field influence the enforcement process. The key elements identified as critical influencers include the dual leadership structure of the bureaucratic system, the conflict between local development objectives and law enforcement goals, the ineffective supervision model used by higher authorities, and the diverse interaction modes among different law enforcement targets at the social space level. These factors collectively exert a complex array of forces on the enforcement process, synergistically contributing to weakened enforcement. Understanding the mechanisms shaping “weak enforcement” helps in diagnosing the root causes of enforcement dilemmas, offering theoretical and practical insights for enhancing grassland ecology governance and law enforcement practices.

Source: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.indic.2024.100566

Authors: Buri Ha, Timur Borjigin

Institutions: Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Université de Haute-Alsace

Language: English

Topic: China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,560