Redai dili (Aug 2023)
Sustainable Development Goal-Based Assessment on the Use of Natural Resources in Countries along the Maritime Silk Road
Abstract
The Maritime Silk Road (MSR) plays a significant role in international trade and the global economy, contributing to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, most countries along the MSR are developing nations and emerging economies with high natural resource consumption and fragile environments and face conflicts between economic development and environmental protection. In this context, understanding the status of natural resource utilization in MSR countries is important to advance sustainable development in these countries and promote the construction of the Green Belt and Road, and global environmental governance. Focusing on SDGs 6 (water), 14 (life below water), and 15 (life on land), this study constructed an indicator framework for assessing the sustainable use of natural resources with 24 targets and 42 indicators. Strong and weak sustainability concepts were introduced, and the constant elasticity of substitution function and combined compromise solution method were used to assess the sustainability of natural resource use for 46 countries along the MSR in 2020. The results showed that: (1) the scores in the weak sustainability scenario were higher than those in the strong scenario. The differences in the target scores between the two sustainability scenarios revealed unevenness among the indicator scores. Strong sustainability prefers balanced performance across indicators over weak sustainability. (2) MSR countries performed poorly on targets 6.3 (Improve water quality), 6.4 (Water use), 6.5 (Integrated water resources management), 14.1 (Reduce marine pollution), 14.4 (Conserve fish stocks), 14.5 (Protect marine protected areas), 14. a (Develop marine science and technology), 15.1 (Ecosystem systems and services) and 15.6 (Access and share genetic resources); therefore, these countries should increase their efforts in these areas and improve relevant policies and measures. (3) From the perspective of SDG scores, Portugal, Croatia, and Italy topped each SDG, while Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti lagged. Several countries, such as Singapore, Iran, and Myanmar, show uneven performance. Governments should develop more effective resource development and conservation plans based on their strengths and weaknesses. (4) Regarding final rankings, Portugal, Croatia, and Greece had the best overall performance, whereas Liberia, Somalia, and Djibouti ranked last. Regionally, Europe ranked highest, followed by South America, Asia, and Africa, which are related to their economic development and resource endowment levels. (5) In the future, China and the MSR countries should focus on promoting international cooperation in areas such as water security, blue carbon development, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, China should develop targeted investment and cooperation strategies based on the differences in resource use, environmental conditions, and development levels among countries. This study provides a reference for deepening cooperation between China and the MSR countries regarding ecological and environmental protection.
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