By Li Weiming, Yang Yan, Gu Shuzhong & Gao Shiji, Research Institute of Resources and Environmental Policies, DRC

Research Report, No.329, 2021 (Total 6394) 2021-11-9

Abstract: In recent years, China has made positive progress in promoting the value realization of water culture, but there are still some outstanding problems to be solved. Therefore, this paper gives the following policy options. First, we need to enhance the understanding of all social sectors on objectively and dialectically treating the relationship between water culture protection and economic construction, integrate water culture value with all aspects of economic and social development, and promote water culture through multiple channels. Second, we need to innovate the management system and cooperation mechanism, further clarify the responsibilities of relevant institutions relating to water cultural resources and heritage management, and give full play to the coordinating role of water conservancy departments in promoting the  development and prosperity of water culture. Third, we need to further enrich the ways to realize the value of water culture, focus on implementing the excavation and rescue of water culture resources, carry out water culture preservation and heritage projects, enhance the cultural connotations of water conservancy projects, innovate the way of water culture inheritance and utilization, and build strandparks in water cultural sites. Fourth, we need to establish and improve relevant basic systems and supporting arrangements to shore up protection by way of legal and planning measures, step up the formulation of standards and norms, carry out national census and evaluation as soon as possible, strengthen research on relevant basic theories, technical standards, and policy systems, channel more input into water culture construction and protection and enforce the training of inter-disciplinary talents.

Keywords: water culture, heritage, value, realization, policy options