doi: 10.18178/ijssh.2025.15.6.1267
The Development of Sustainable Water Environment Policies in Dalian and the Potential for International Cooperation
Miao Zhang
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, Kanazawa Seiryo University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Manuscript received July 3, 2025
- accepted August 4, 2025
- published December 19, 2025
Abstract
This paper examines the development of water environment policies in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. It analyzes a broad range of initiatives including the protection of drinking water sources, restoration of major rivers, remediation of black and odorous water bodies, construction and renovation of wastewater treatment facilities, implementation of the Sponge City concept, promotion of reclaimed water usage, and countermeasures against industrial water pollution. These measures are not only crucial for improving the urban ecological environment but also directly impact public health and the stability of urban life. Through a phased approach, Dalian has achieved tangible progress in enhancing its water environment. Furthermore, the paper highlights the significance of international cooperation, particularly with Kitakyushu City in Japan, which has provided technological exchange and public-private collaboration frameworks. This cooperation has contributed to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all) and serves as a model for city-to-city partnerships aimed at sustainable urban water governance. The study concludes that further institutionalization of water resource management, citizen engagement, technological innovation, and the sharing of international best practices are essential for the advancement of more resilient and sustainable water environment policies in Dalian and other growing cities across Asia.
Keywords
- water environment policy
- sustainable urban management
- Sponge City
- Japan-China intercity cooperation
- reclaimed water utilization
How to Cite
Miao Zhang, "The Development of Sustainable Water Environment Policies in Dalian and the Potential for International Cooperation," International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 211-216, 2025. https://doi.org/ 10.18178/ijssh.2025.15.6.1267
Copyright & License
Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).