Institutional Innovation and Participatory Governance for Sustainable Rural Environmental Revitalisation: A Marxist Ecological Civilisation Framework in Local Self-Governance

This study examines how Marxist ecological civilisation principles shape institutional and participatory approaches to rural environmental revitalisation in China, focusing on the regional cases of Zhejiang and Fujian. Both regions have faced severe ecological challenges threatening the well-being of their rural populations. In response, local governments have adopted strategies rooted in Marxist ecological citizenship, replacing environmentally exploitative private-sector practices with state-led initiatives prioritising ecological sustainability. These strategies have been characterised by institutional innovation and participatory governance, resulting in the implementation of effective environmental practices. While both regions have demonstrated policy success, Zhejiang’s approach stands out due to its integration of Confucian ethical values alongside Marxist principles. This hybrid model represents a distinctive non-Western paradigm of sustainability, combining community-based engagement with collective ownership to achieve enhanced ecological outcomes.