The Transformation of 40-Year Coastal Wetland Policies in China: Network Analysis and Text Analysis

Abstract

The notable improvement of China's wetland management policies over the last four decades prompted this study's goal to quantitatively analyze the transformation of China's coastal wetland policies from 1979 to 2022 by applying an institutional network analysis and policy text analysis. The results of the institutional network analysis revealed an administrative management transformation from a multidepartmental mode to an integrated management framework. Furthermore, the policy text analysis results revealed a change in policy priorities (from exploitation to protection) and management targets (from a single environmental element to a comprehensive ecosystem and further to collaborative governance). In addition, the overall outcome of this study instigated proposals for the improvement of future wetland policies on climate change, integrated planning, natural capital, and public participation. Hence, this study presents an example of wetland policy analysis based on a quantitative review, which we hope will also be valuable for other countries.