Work

Sustainable forestry industry development in developing countries: A case study of China’s policy effectiveness

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Developing countries often grapple with the dual challenges of resource scarcity and poverty in their pursuit of sustainable industrial growth. This study offers a systematic and quantitative evaluation of forestry policy effectiveness in China since 2003—an area that has received limited attention in empirical policy analysis. Using text mining techniques in conjunction with the Policy Modeling Consistency (PMC) Index, we construct a structured assessment framework to examine the internal coherence and implementation focus of key forestry-related policies. Our analysis highlights the need to advance industrial ecology, especially in wood processing and paper manufacturing, and to develop ecologically centered industries focused on non-timber forest products. The evaluation points to a high policy consistency in sectors like paper and camellia oil production. However, a notable misalignment between policy agents and intended beneficiaries highlights the need for improved stakeholder engagement and adaptive policy design. We recommend enhancing participatory mechanisms and introducing market-based instruments to strengthen policy performance. The findings provide critical insights for ecological policy optimization and the sustainable transformation of forestry industries in China and other resource-constrained economies.

Source: Ecological Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113682

Authors: Yulan Sun, Weiming Lin, Yongwu Dai

Institution: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University

Language: English

Topic: Forest Management and Policy

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,650