We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
China’s Battle against Marine Plastic Pollution at the Local Level: A Case Study of Sanya City, Hainan Province
Summary
Researchers examined local-level marine plastic pollution governance in China using Sanya City in Hainan Province as a case study, assessing regulatory approaches and enforcement mechanisms for achieving national environmental goals. The analysis found that Sanya's 'Zero Waste City' and 'Model City' designations drove innovation in plastic governance, while also revealing important weaknesses in local implementation capacity.
Abstract In the face of a rapidly unfolding marine plastic pollution crisis, China, the world’s largest plastic producer and consumer, has been thrust to the fore-front to regulate the growing plastic problem in stewardship of ecosystems. While a growing body of literature discusses China’s central-level efforts in addressing marine plastic pollution, a thorough overview of actions at the local level remains scant. This article uses Sanya City in Hainan Province as a case study to assess the local government’s capacity to formulate and implement environmental policies in achieving nationally set environmen-tal goals. Designated as a pilot for a ‘Zero Waste City’ and a ‘Model City’ for ecological civilization, Sanya has crafted regulatory approaches and en-forcement mechanisms to strengthen the governance of marine plastic pol-lution. A critique of the effectiveness and weaknesses of Sanya’s regulatory regime holds important implications for local-level environmental govern-ance of marine plastic pollution in China and many other parts of the world.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Looking for a Chinese solution to global problems: The situation and countermeasures of marine plastic waste and microplastics pollution governance system in China
This study analyzed China's marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution governance system, examining policy frameworks across blue economy development, plastics industry reform, and public health awareness, while proposing countermeasures to curb marine pollution intensification.
The difficulties and path of China’s NGOs participating in marine plastic waste governance
Researchers examined the challenges and pathways for Chinese non-governmental organizations to participate effectively in marine plastic waste governance, analyzing organizational capacity, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder relationships. The study found that NGOs face significant institutional barriers and recommends policy reforms that provide clearer roles and stable funding for civil society engagement in ocean plastic management.
Exploring Plastic-Management Policy in China: Status, Challenges and Policy Insights
Researchers reviewed China's plastic management policies and found that despite being the world's largest plastic producer, existing regulations remain insufficient, recommending strengthened extended producer responsibility and circular economy approaches to control plastic pollution.
China’s regulatory respond to plastic pollution: Trends and trajectories
Analysis of 231 plastic-related Chinese government policies from 2000 to 2021 revealed increasing regulatory attention to plastic pollution with a shift from general waste management toward specific single-use plastic restrictions after 2020. The findings highlight China moving toward more targeted plastic governance despite its large contribution to global ocean plastic.
Understanding the socioeconomic determinants of marine plastic pollution: Evaluating policy effectiveness and mitigation strategies in the Global South.
Researchers synthesized qualitative and quantitative evidence on marine plastic pollution in the Global South, identifying rapid urbanization, inadequate waste infrastructure, and weak governance as primary drivers, and recommending integrated strategies combining single-use plastic bans, extended producer responsibility, regional cooperation, and circular economy incentives.