A Civil Society Review of 20 Year of Sustainable Development

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This report showcases various examples of how civil society in China is involved in promoting sustainable development. It also indicates how China’s green transformation is still in its infancy and has much to improve on.

Download Report:  A Civil Society Review of 20 Year of Sustainable Development

The international agreements signed in 1992 in Rio have had significant ramifications for environmental, social and economic development. However, today’s patterns of development are still proving unsustainable. With increasing greenhouse gas emissions, desertifications, water pollution, and reduced biodiversity, the world is facing even more serious environmental problems than it did twenty years ago.

Rio+20 is not only a chance for negotiators to review Agenda 21, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the past twenty years. Jointly, six Chinese NGOs have sought the expertise of more than twenty authors to initiate this review.

The report adopts the following criteria:

- Independence

Every chapter contains opinions from at least five different stakeholders, and is informed by their varying experiences, views and perspectives. Despite these differences, the conclusions are not affected. The report is also completely independent of the government.

- Bottom-Up

This report contains analysis and observations on the past twenty years of sustainable development in China, and is a voluntary initiative from civil society, making it unique from other reports.

- Public Participation

This report reflects the evolution of China’s civil society, especially for environmental organisations. Since 1992, these organisations have become one of the most vibrant and vocal sectors in promoting sustainable development.

- Original and Honest

The writing process involved a large number of interviews across a wide range of sectors, and offers a unique reflection of societal views on sustainable development. While it may reflect contradicting opinions, it is completely original.

- Interpretation

The report integrates the viewpoints of multiple stakeholders with analysis of law, policy and research, provides credible interpretation of sustainable development in China, and offers fresh ideas on how to move forward.

This report showcases various examples of how civil society in China is involved in promoting sustainable development. It also indicates how China’s green transformation is still in its infancy and has much to improve on. Achieving a sustainable economy will require both international cooperation as well as public participation. Twenty years ago, there no representatives from Chinese NGOs participating in the 1992 Rio summit; twenty years later, Chinese environmental NGOs, along with entrepreneurs and youth, are sending more than fifty delegates to Rio to participate in this historic meeting. Rio+20 is also the first time Chinese NGOs will engage in cross-sector cooperation on an international stage. However, Rio+20 is not the end-point-rather, it will mark the beginning of NGOs and other sectors joining forces in advancing a genuine green transformation in China.

Lo Sze Ping

Executive Director

Greenovation Hub

SUN Shan

Executive Director

Shan Shui conservation Center