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The Enhancement of the Horizontal Ecological Protection Compensation Mechanism in the Yu-Lu Section of the Yellow River Basin

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  • Wenlu Shao

    (College of Civil and Commercial Law, Henan University of Economics and Law, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Guiliang Tian

    (College of Business, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China)

  • Anyi Zhang

    (College of Civil and Commercial Law, Henan University of Economics and Law, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Bo Qu

    (Yellow River Institute of Hydraulic Research, No. 45 Shunhe Road, Zhengzhou 450003, China)

  • Ying Liu

    (College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China)

Abstract

Horizontal ecological compensation represents a significant institutional innovation aimed at advancing ecological civilization and serves as a key functional strategy within China’s current management framework. This paper employs the horizontal ecological protection compensation agreement of the Yu-Lu section of the Yellow River Basin as a case study. Using a game theory model and theoretical analysis, the paper explores the underlying connotations, theoretical foundations, and legal characteristics of the basin’s horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism. This analysis reveals several challenges within the existing horizontal ecological protection compensation system in the Yellow River Basin, including the predominance of a single compensation entity, unclear compensation standards, a compensation model limited to monetary transfers, and the absence of an effective dispute resolution mechanism. This paper further examines potential improvements to the horizontal ecological protection compensation framework in the Yellow River Basin from a legal system perspective, with the aim of addressing these practical challenges and fostering the region’s ecological, environmental, and economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenlu Shao & Guiliang Tian & Anyi Zhang & Bo Qu & Ying Liu, 2025. "The Enhancement of the Horizontal Ecological Protection Compensation Mechanism in the Yu-Lu Section of the Yellow River Basin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1023-:d:1578108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jibi Song & Zhi Liang & Quan Guo & Chengli Wang, 2023. "Current Situation, Dilemmas and Measures to Improve Horizontal Ecological Compensation Coordination Mechanisms in River Basins," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Zhen Yu & Qingjian Zhao, 2022. "Research on the Coordinated Governance Mechanism of Cross-Regional and Cross-Basin Ecological Compensation in the Yangtze River Delta," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-20, August.
    3. Sihan Liu & Ying Li & Yanxiang Ge & Xiangyan Geng, 2022. "Analysis on the Impact of River Basin Ecological Compensation Policy on Water Environment Pollution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-14, October.
    4. Engel, Stefanie & Pagiola, Stefano & Wunder, Sven, 2008. "Designing payments for environmental services in theory and practice: An overview of the issues," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(4), pages 663-674, May.
    5. Yue Zhao & Feng-ping Wu & Fang Li & Xiang-nan Chen & Xia Xu & Zhi-ying Shao, 2021. "Ecological Compensation Standard of Trans-Boundary River Basin Based on Ecological Spillover Value: A Case Study for the Lancang–Mekong River Basin," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-16, January.
    6. Roach, Brian & Wade, William W., 2006. "Policy evaluation of natural resource injuries using habitat equivalency analysis," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 58(2), pages 421-433, June.
    7. Xuexian Xu & Yuling Peng, 2023. "Ecological Compensation in Zhijiang City Based on Ecosystem Service Value and Ecological Risk," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-17, March.
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