Strategies and Policies for Developing Rural “Local Specialty Products” in Ecological Conservation AreasOA

The promotion of rural revitalization within the ecological conservation areas(“ECAs”) requires a careful balance between ecological protection and economic development and should be guided by the principle of ecological priority. The cultivation of rural “Local Specialty Products”(“LSPs”) under a green-development framework aligns with the functional positioning of these areas, drives the revitalization of rural industries, and constitutes a fundamental strategy for addressing the unique challenges they face. Although ECAs possess inherent advantages in terms of developing LSPs, they are also confronted by multiple constraints. Accordingly, we propose development objectives that emphasize(a) driving rural industrial prosperity,(b) enhancing the appeal of agricultural heritage, and(c) ensuring inclusive prosperity in the farming communities. In selecting pathways for growth, priority should be given to improving the quality of products, fostering distinctiveness of the technologies, nurturing cultural identities, and upholding the principle of common prosperity. From a policy standpoint, the development of rural LSPs should be recognized as a key lever for advancing the comprehensiveness of rural revitalization in the ECAs. We recommend a set of supportive measures—namely, reinforcing the guidance for spatial planning, integrating the consolidation of factor inputs, and ensuring the robustness of organizational guarantees—to facilitate the high-quality development of LSPs in these areas.