Probe into Cultural Ecology Protection of Forests in China

Zhang Ying¹, Su Jinling², Lloyd C. Irland³
(1. School of Economics and Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
2. International Wood Culture Society, Beijing 100083, China; 3. The Irland Group, 174 Lord Rd Wayne, ME 04284, USA)

Abstract: Cultural ecology protection has been a hot topic in the urban construction planning, and refers to the protection of the architectural layout and architectural style. It means a comprehensive protection of “the beautiful order” of the urban civilization environment. Forests have economic, ecological, social, and cultural functions. In recent years in China, great progress has been made in forest ecological protection, but less progress in forest cultural ecology protection. The authors believe that since China has phased out into the consumer economy, forest cultural ecology protection will be playing a leading role in the future forestry development in China. With higher level of urbanization attained, the urban forest together with the cultural ecology protection will be more eye-catching. It is suggested that forest cultural ecology protection should be incorporated into forest legislation and management, and should be emphasized in forestry development planning, highlighted in the integration of physical wealth and spiritual wealth, so as to promote the forest cultural ecology protection and green cultural development in China.

The following items are highlighted in this article:

l  The concept of forest cultural ecology

l  The important role that forest cultural ecology plays

l  Urban forest cultural ecology preservation

l  The legislation and planning for forest cultural ecology

Key words: forest cultural ecology; socio-economic development; urbanization; ecological protection; China

JEL codes: Q57, Q58