Two Decades of Ecological Wisdom: China’s High Nature Quotient Path to Ecological Civilization

Hainan Peacock-Pheasant

23-09-2025

“In our Bong Chanh clan, we’ve mastered the pinnacle of fishing kung fu. For thousands of generations, every dive into the water results in catching fish and bringing them back to the tree branch. Our efficiency is 600% above the family average. But that’s not the most impressive part. The Bong Chanh’s fishing skills are so extraordinary that even eating fish requires minimal effort and time...”

In “Legendary Kung Fu”; Wild Wise Weird (2024)

© Sergio Li

Twenty years ago, China introduced the guiding principle that “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” This philosophy, known as the “Two Mountains” theory, has since become the cornerstone of the nation’s ecological civilization strategy [1]. A recent perspective paper reviews the scientific and technological progress achieved under this vision, illustrating how ecological wisdom has been transformed into tangible innovations and national reforms [2].

The “Two Mountains” theory emerged in response to rapid economic growth that often came at the expense of nature. By reframing environmental protection as a driver of development, China shifted priorities toward sustainable growth and harmony between people and ecosystems. Over the past two decades, this shift has fueled ambitious reforms, ranging from the Beautiful China Initiative to large-scale green and low-carbon transformations [3].

The paper highlights 20 major achievements in ecological science and technology. These include biodiversity conservation—exemplified by the Flora of China, which catalogues over 31,000 plant species—and ecosystem restoration projects on the Loess Plateau, which enhanced carbon storage and water regulation. Advances in water resource management, such as nationwide drinking water safety systems and groundwater pollution control, have benefited hundreds of millions. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in air pollution control, ultra-low emissions technologies, and flue gas treatment have curbed industrial pollutants on an unprecedented scale.

China’s innovations also resonate globally. Its climate models have been adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), while progress in renewable energy, ecological zoning, and real-time environmental monitoring demonstrates how science can be mobilized to safeguard both ecosystems and human well-being.

This two-decade journey highlights the profound interdependence of human prosperity and ecological health [4]. By treating ecosystems as national assets, China demonstrates a high Nature Quotient (NQ)—the intelligence to perceive and act upon ecological interconnections for survival, progress, and continuity [5]. This vision affirms that environmental sustainability and human development are inseparable, seeking to achieve “harmony between humanity and nature, harmony among people, and harmony between humanity and the economy and society” [2].

As China advances its ecological transition, challenges remain in transforming ecological assets into sustainable economic gains and ensuring equitable access to environmental benefits. Yet its experience offers valuable lessons for the world: with ecological wisdom, scientific innovation, and a high Nature Quotient, nations can create pathways where both nature and people flourish together.

References

[1] Xu H, Liu J. (2019). Implications of “Two Mountains” Theory on China’s green development. Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies, 7, 1975008. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2345748119750083

[2] Wang J. (2025). Two decades of ecological wisdom and scientific progress in China. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 27, 100613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2025.100613

[3] Qin C, et al. (2024). A Beautiful China Initiative towards the harmony between humanity and the nature. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 18, 71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-024-1831-4

[4] Nguyen MH. (2024). How can satirical fables offer us a vision for sustainability? Visions for Sustainability, 23(11267), 323-328. https://doi.org/10.13135/2384-8677/11267 

[5] Vuong QH, Nguyen MH. (2025). On Nature Quotient. Pacific Conservation Biology, 31, PC25028. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC25028