Connotations of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization
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the development and exploitation of natural resources can support human production
and consumption. Therefore, protecting lucid waters and lush mountains is how we
make it possible to keep and use their economic values.
Second, lucid waters and lush mountains are where competitiveness lies. A sound
environment could bring material wealth. The environment is not only the foundation
for people’s survival and economic development, but also an important part of a
region’s competitiveness. A sound environment is what supports the development
of a city. It is also a draw to attract investment and talent from elsewhere. More
and more highly competitive regions turn to build their advantages by improving
the environment in the local area. As China pushes its ecological civilization drive
forward, such practices will become mainstream. Keeping lucid waters and lush
mountains is a must for boosting the economy.
Third, lucid waters and lush mountains are the foundation of industrial development. China devotes great energy to boosting green development and ecological
industries, for which lucid waters and lush mountains serve as the foundation. Ecoagriculture, eco-friendly industry and eco-tourism all depend heavily on natural
resources. A sound environment is the foundation and core for developing new
ecological industries. Each place should explore ways to strike a balance between
economic development and environmental protection based on local conditions.
Protecting the ecological environment offers great support to the development of
productive forces. The goal is to secure both a sound environment and economic
prosperity.
Fourth, lucid waters and lush mountains are the source of happiness. What is a
beautiful China? Everyone may have a different understanding, but blue sky, green
land and clean water are probably widely recognized elements of a beautiful China.
The boom in tourism among Chinese people, on the one hand, reflects people’s
pursuit of a colorful cultural life, and on the other hand, shows their dissatisfaction
with urban life. They aspire to escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle in big
cities, and seek asylum in nature. However, what China faces is complex ecological
conditions and problems. Thus, the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are
invaluable assets should be incorporated into our overarching development strategy.
An ecological civilization should be built with all-round efforts so as to improve
the environment, raise the quality of life, and enable every person to live in a world
where the sky is blue, the land is green, the air is fresh, the food is safe, the water is
clean and the scenery is beautiful.
3. The theoretical value of the principle
First, the principle reflects a vision of green development. Economic development
and environmental protection may be contradictory, but are also interdependent.
They form a unity of opposites. Conciliation can only be achieved through green
development which translates lucid waters and lush mountains into material wealth.
If this approach is not adopted, development will only be temporary as it will drain
the resources sooner or later. In the meantime, to translate lucid waters and lush
mountains into material wealth, a sound environment is necessary. Therefore, green
development is a prerequisite and a necessity if we are to meet people’s need for
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