Literature review

Dissertation topic: Constructing the ecological city----- Qingdao’s city planning

towards “Green Olympics”
Part I
Background knowledge:
What is a city?
city - a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent

administrative districts.

A place inhabited by a large, permanent, organized community . . . in earlier times a central,

walled place used by the dwellers in a district as a market, a place of worship and festivals,
and a refuge.

Funk & Wagnalls Standard College Dictionary

Canadian Edition, 1973

The city is a family which inhabits a house and, by its presence, the family makes the
house a home. That family modifies the house as time proceeds to enhance their
quality of life and the quality of their relationships to each other. People may employ
architects to help them, but it is their needs as human beings they are seeking to satisfy.
So it is in a neighbourhood and a city (cited in Haughton and Hunter, 1994).

Cities were invented to facilitate exchange of information, friendship, material goods,

culture, knowledge, insight, skills, and also the exchange of emotional, psychological
and spiritual support (Haughton and Hunter, 1994). The city is also an ecosystem created
by people for mutual enrichment. In an eco-system, such as a rain forest, everything is
interrelated and interdependent. Each organism provides something which is essential
for the life of other organisms and, in return, receives from other organisms those
things essential for their own survival and well-being. Take any of these organisms
away from the context of their eco-system, then their growth will be stunted or their
survival harmed. Similarly, the city is an eco-system where, through mutual
exchange, we mature and are nurtured ( Girardet, 1992).
The problems emerging with the rapid development of the city
Urban areas around the world are ecologically unbalanced, and most are
environmentally damaged. In the developing world, urban areas are increasing in
population at a rate faster than can be accommodated by the infrastructure of housing,
schools, hospitals, and roads. As a result, many of the urban areas around the world
have an undernourished, unemployed, and inadequately sheltered underclass.
With the growth in population, number of vehicles, and miles traveled, energy
demands are not keeping pace with engineering controls that have been the
underpinnings of environmental management strategies.
Industrial cities are in decline or are undergoing transformation in the post-industrial
era. However, poorer classes continue to migrate to the new economically depressed
centers of cities.
The issues that threaten all of our futures are sustainability of terrestrial
ecosystems; total air pollution loadings; contaminants in food and water; and
health of the oceans. The urbanization of the world’s population along with
economic expansion and resource consumption exacerbate these stressors ( White,
2002; Haughton and Hunter, 1994).

Connotation of Ecological City

The so-called ecological city means a city where the ecological development and
social development are coordinated and the development of all areas is basically
sustainable. The key signs include: the ecological environment is in a sound status and
running to an even higher level; environmental pollution is basically eliminated; the
natural resources are effectively protected and rationally utilized; social economy
featured by cycling economy is well developed; ecological culture has taken the initial
shape; people’s life has come into wealthy period as a whole. An ecological city can
be seen as an advanced “pilot ecological region” with even richer content and even
wider construction (White, 2002; Todd, 1994).

Key characteristics of an ecological city:

Ecological cities may be said to:
make the maximum use of local and regional resources and
minimize input such as agricultural products and manufactured
goods from more distant places, thereby increasing the value of the
local and regional economy and the level of self-sufficiency;

promote an urban form that requires minimal inputs of energy and

resources to build and sustain, with emphasis on the efficient use of
energy, water, and materials, and the recovery of resources in the
wastes produced as a by-product of their use and consumption.
enjoy the many benefits of significant community economic
development which is focused on conserving local capital, small
scale business development, maximizing human resource inputs,
and minimizing energy and material resource inputs . . .;

minimize waste, since most products are designed to be reused and

recycled, through disassembly where possible . . .;

make use of market mechanisms which reflect the full social and
environmental costs, rather than just production, distribution and
promotional costs of goods and services . . .;

allow individuals to:

achieve and maintain personal physical, mental and
psychological health;
feed themselves adequately and provide adequate and
appropriate shelter for themselves;
have opportunities for gainful and meaningful
employment;
improve their knowledge and understanding of the world
around them;
find opportunities to express creativity and enjoy
recreation in ways that satisfy spiritual and
psychological needs;
express a sense of identity through heritage, art and
culture;
enjoy a sense of belonging and be assured of mutual
social support from their community;
enjoy freedom from fear and security of person; and
participate actively in civic affairs.
 be distinguished by the extent to which individuals are
èenvironmentally literate' and social values emphasize: community,
quality over quantity, conservation/efficiency over consumption,
sufficiency, spirituality and interdependence;

reflect institutional structures and policies supportive of healthy,

safe and vibrant communities with ongoing grassroots stewardship
of the natural areas in the region;

reflect considerably longer time horizons for major decision-

making by political institutions, the private sector, non-
governmental organizations and individuals;

reflect institutional systems based on natural boundaries such as

watersheds which allow for the effective management of
ecosystems and reinforce the interconnections between
environment, society and economy;

reflect a physical shape and structure that works with, rather than
against, existing natural features in a manner which increases the
efficient use of material and energy resources, promotes bio-
diversity, and allows individuals the opportunity to experience and
enjoy vibrant natural areas within close proximity of their
communities;

develop a manner that enables individuals to engage in routine

behaviour that is ecologically responsible, cost-effective and
convenient, rather than relying upon their altruism;

develop new policies and programs which continue to reflect the

integrated nature of urban challenges to sustainability by fully
considering their social, economic and environmental components
(Source:
http://www.grad.cmu.ac.th/abstract/1998/gs/abstract/gs98001.html)

Part II
Brief Introduction of the Status Quo of Foreign Studies:

Since the strategy of sustainable development was universally accepted by all

countries in 1990’s, related organizations of the United Nations and some Western
countries have started the studies of the index system for regional sustainable
development appraisal. Some representative systems include the Index System of
Sustainable Developed put forward by the UNCSD, the Frame of Index of Sustainable
Development submitted by the UNSTT, the Index System of Sustainable
Development jointly submitted the UNESC and UNEP and the Index system of
Sustainable Development submitted by WB. These index systems are designed and
formulated on the whole based on the key problems that should be considered in the
process of sustainable developed as prescribed in the main chapters and section of the
“21-Century Agenda”. The focal point of the study is still in the establishment of
index system at present, but the established indexes are rarely used to appraise the
process of sustainable development.
From the construction of ecological agriculture started in the early of 1990’s to the
construction of pilot ecological areas in recent years in our country, a lot of studies of
index systems have been made and many kinds of index systems have been
established for the approval at different levels, from ecological province to ecological
village. The results of deepening studies show that these indexes contain many
limitations, not benefit for making lateral comparison and hard to be used in
management. The appraisal on regional sustainable development started just in recent
years. The State Statistical Bureau formulated in 1997 a set of appraisal index system
(composed of 6 subsystems including 83 indexes). The Chinese Academy of Science
has been unceasingly making studies in recent year (submitting a progress report
every year). The Natural Department of the State Bureau of Environmental Protection
has put forward a set of appraisal index system in coordinating with the examination
and acceptance of the construction of pilot ecological areas. The first two are large
and complicated, uneasy to run; the later is practical and easy to run, but a little too
simple, unable to meet the need for the appraisal of regions in different types.
The examination standard and appraisal indexes for ecological city, and important
type of sustainable development region, have not been reported yet in the outside
world. There is also no unified standard officially reported in domestic.
The Ecological Cities Project: A Shared Vision
This diagram represents the many components and the interdisciplinary nature of the
Ecological Cities Project.
(Source: http://www.ecologicalcities.org)

Part III
Qingdao’s ecological city planning towards “Green Olympics”:

A brief city profile:

Qingdao, the largest city in Shandong Province, is a young city with a history of only
100 years. Owning an area of 10,654 square km covering 7 districts and 5 subsidiary
cities, a population of 6.73 million and a complicated transportation system, Qingdao
is one of the largest industrial centers in eastern China. A mild climate, wonderful
beach and exotic style of old European buildings also make it an attractive summer
resort. The fast expansion and development of Qingdao inevitably bring many
problems including water, transportation and pollution. But our municipal government
is working closely with people to improve its overall environmental quality. As a
citizen of Qindao, I do wish Qingdao can make good use of her great natural
advantage and develop into a real international city with higher environmental quality
and fully demonstrate her charm to the world in the 2008 Olympics.

Qingdao and 2008 Olympics:

Qingdao, a coastal city with a history of only 100 years, has already developed into a
key economic center in China, a well known summer resort and a city with the best
environment status in the country. As the host for the 29th Olympic sailing events,
Qingdao has begun making plans to improve the overall living conditions, to highlight
“Green Olympics”, and to build the city into a more sustainable and ecological
Olympic metropolis with the best sailing facilities in Asia. Approved by the Qingdao
Municipal Government, the Guideline for General Strategic Planning of Qingdao City
Development (Abbr. the Guideline), which depicting the blueprint of the following 20
years' ecological development of Qingdao is now been implemented at the
preliminary phase.
QIngdao is to fulfill the development strategy of " exploitation in the north,
optimization in the south, extension in the east and association in the west" in about
20 years. Emphasizing on the natural characteristics of "mountain, city, farmland and
sea", Qingdao is going to be an ecological city with optimized city layout, rationalized
urban and rural structure, and enhanced industrial structure, graceful living
environment, leading the other big cities in China to build up a landscape ecological
city with developed productivity and solid economic strength, profound culture and
perfect harmony between people and the nature. It will possess both natural and
cultural landscape with a flavor of the east of the Lao Mountain.

Qingdao’s ecological city plan----- a general outline:

Ecological Environment Development On the basis of preventing environment
pollution and improving urban infrastructure, we will accelerate the construction of a
favorable ecological city by afforestation, rational utilization of water resources, and
construction of ecological agriculture. By 2008, we will achieve the goal of building
the city into an ecological city that features green hills, clear water, grass-covered
ground, and blue sky.

Building green ecological shelters for the city by 2007, forest coverage in the whole
city will reach 50%, and the three green shelters, one in the mountain areas, one in the
plain areas, and the other in urban areas, will be completed. By 2005, 100,000
hectares of mountain areas will be afforested; trees covering 23,000 hectares will be
planted mainly along "the 5 waterways and the 10 highways", and green areas within
the urban areas will reach a total area of 12,500 hectares.

Pushing forward urban afforestation and beautification the lands along

motorways, streets, alleys and waterways in the urban area will be afforested, with
focuses on the 255 major streets. Water surface coverage within the urban area will be
increased and more water surface sights built. 50 large green areas made up of arbor
trees, each covering more than 10,000 square meters, will be built in the downtown
areas. The satellite cities and the 33 major towns will also be afforested. By 2007, the
urban green coverage in the whole city will hopefully reach 45%.

Rational use of water resources we will do our utmost to preserve the surface and
underground clean water resources, and to utilize rainwater and recycled water. 7 gray
water treating stations in Qinghe, Wujiacun and Jiuxianqiao, etc will be built, and, by
2008, the recycling rate of treated water from the urban sewage treating stations will
reach 50%. The use of gray water in residential areas and institutions will be
encouraged. The underground water exploitation plan will be improved, focusing on
reducing the amount of underground water for industrial and agricultural purposes, in
an effort to gradually elevate the underground water level. More attempts will be
made in the retention of rainwater and flood for underground recharge during rainy
season, in order to restore and conserve underground water sources. We will raise the
citizens' awareness of water saving, establish a more reasonable water pricing system,
adopt effective water saving technologies and measures, promote the application of
water-saving equipment, and mobilize the whole society to take an active and
conscious part in the water saving drive.

Enhancing ecological protection and construction in key areas we will protect the
ecological functions in some key areas, such as Laoshan Reservoir, Huairuo Reservoir
and Guanting Reservoir, and prevent their ecosystems from damage and retrogression.
Compulsory protection will be given to the key areas related to such resources as
water, land, forest, grassland, mineral, aquatic production, biological species and
tourism, and areas where underground water is over-extracted and where the
ecosystem is delicate will be closed to exploitation, cultivation and lumbering. The
protection of the existing wetland ecosystems will be stressed, and man-made wetland
will be constructed where appropriate. The construction of natural reserves will be
emphasized and more attention will be paid to the protection of biological diversity,
natural ecosystems, wild animals and plants and gene resources.

Promoting the construction of ecological agriculture we will establish some

ecological demonstration zones and ecological agriculture counties. Specifically,
high-efficiency ecological agriculture will be developed; crop structure will be
readjusted; new farming technologies will be adopted; and the use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides will be reduced. Intercropping of narrow crown poplar and
agricultural crops will be popularized and networks of forest belts on farmland will be
built. A plan for the relocation and pollution prevention in livestock and poultry
raising will be formulated. We will also develop organic foodstuffs, and improve the
system of the safe production of food agricultural produce.

Improving urban environment we will deal with the mess in some parts of the city,
which arouses intense public concern and tarnishes the image of the city. To enforce
the related laws, all unapproved and temporary buildings will be demolished and
stronger control on outdoor advertisements will be imposed. Garbage containing
facilities will be constructed and improved for domestic wastes of the whole city; all
aerial cables will be laid underground; urban buildings will be refurbished and streets
in the city beautified. The environment along the urban and rural connecting areas
will also be improved and managed in the same way as those in the urban area.

Improving ecological awareness of the citizens we will advocate the idea of green
consumption and raise the environmental awareness of the public, who will be
encouraged to adopt an environment-friendly life style and to participate in the drive
to establish green communities, green stores, green campuses, green enterprises, green
institutions, etc. Families and institutions will be encouraged to use recycled products,
install energy-efficient and water-saving appliances, separate solid wastes, and
abandon equipment that uses ozone-damaging substances, etc. Citizens will be
encouraged to use public transportation, and drivers of public and transit vehicles will
be required to do regular maintenance to keep the vehicles in good conditions and up
to the emission standard.

Reference:

Girardet, H. 1992: The Gaia atlas of cities / new directions for sustainable urban
living. London: Gaia
Haughton, G and Hunter, C. 1994: Sustainable cities. London: Jessica Kingsley
Publishers
Todd, N. J. and Todd, J. 1994: From eco-cities to living machines: principles of
ecological design. Berkeley,Calif.: North Atlantic Books
White, Rodney R. 2002: Building the ecological city. Cambridge: Woodhead; Boca
Raton, FL.: CRC Press
Information Stock of Qingdao Situation, 1960-1990, 1990-2000, 2001, 2002.
http://english.qingdao.gov.cn/ Date accessed: 02/03/2004

Qingdao Construction Information, http://www.qd-construction.com/ Date accessed:

02/03/2004

Qingdao Government Affairs net, http://english.qingdao.gov.cn/ Date accessed:

06/03/2004

Brief Introduction to Qingdao, www.Qingdaonews.com/English/introduction.htm

Date accessed: 06/03/2004

City planning of Qingdao, www.qingdao.gov.cn/ Date accessed: 11/03/2004

Issues concerning 2008 Olympics, http://www.qingdaonews.com/ Date accessed:

11/03/2004

The ecological cities, http://www.ecologicalcities.org/ Date accessed: 02/03/2004

The ecological city and sustainable environmental management in Tiang Mai,

http://www.grad.cmu.ac.th/abstract/1998/gs/abstract/gs98001.html Date accessed:
02/03/2004