Exploring China’s approach to implementing ‘eco-compensation’ schemes: the Lake Tai watershed as case study considered through a legal lens

Abstract

For close to a decade China has been implementing ‘eco-compensation’ mechanisms to address water-related ecosystem issues. This paper examines China’s approach to eco-compensation through experience in the Lake Tai watershed. Four typologies of eco-compensation schemes are identified and analysed, primarily through a legal lens. It is concluded that while progress has been made, there is need for improved legal approaches to this complex topic.

Keywords:

• payment for ecosystem services (PES)
• eco-compensation
• Lake Tai
• China
• water law

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Professor Marleen van Rijswick, Dr Andrea Keessen, Professor Patricia Wouters, Dr Owen McIntyre and members of the CIWL team at Xiamen University who together have supported the author in many ways in his continued study of comparative water law.