Public Awareness and Perceptions of Watershed Management in the Min River Area, Fujian, China

Abstract

With the increasing magnitude and frequency of natural disasters in China, environmental issues are of major concern to governments and the general public. Using questionnaire surveys, we examined public perceptions of environmental problems resulting from economic development in the Min River Watershed, China. This study found that public awareness and understanding of environmental issues were high. Two major concerns identified were water pollution and flooding, primarily thought to be caused by the discharge of untreated waste directly into water bodies and the overlogging of natural forests, respectively. Results also point to a desire for enhanced public participation in watershed management. The dialogue between decision makers and the general public should be sufficiently flexible to enable community involvement. The cooperation of multiple stakeholders across spatial and political boundaries is needed for the successful watershed management in this area.