State power and sustainable development in southwest China: A case state from Ailao Shan, Yunnan (Chinese text).

摘要

This dissertation focuses on state and local government power and rural sustainable development in Suitang and Jiasa of Yunnan Province, Southwest China. It shows that rural sustainable development on Ailao Mountain and Honghe (the Red River) areas has been strongly challenged by environmental, social and economical problems. The dissertation particularly focuses on how to understand the vulnerable situation of environment in the Ailao Shan by the way of anthropological research. It suggests that poor people especially need sustainable development, and we need to hear their voice and suggestions based on traditional knowledge related to sustainability. Sustainable development is a process and activity with cooperation between different stakeholders and government. For poor areas, it is definitely the best way to reduce poverty and to improve the quality of life. Thus, the local government and state government decision-makers particularly need to know that their policy may influence the local environment and sustainability. To achieve rural sustainable development in this area, the paper strongly suggests building a sustainable development strategy on the county and provincial levels, investing in education and medical care, paying more attention to the poor, providing equality between citizens, protecting minority culture, and changing the way of governmental intervention.