Rural Strategy Transferring and Policy Making Towards Sustainable Development Goals: Taking the European Countries as Examples
Yan Simin, Wen Jun, Anna Growe, Alexander Wandl
Abstract：
Rural development is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, existing research lacks a systematic exposition on
how SDGs are integrated into rural sustainable development targets, frameworks, and experiences. The diversity and complexity of global rural areas further
hinder the formation of scientific and comparable methodologies for local practices. This paper utilizes the SDGs as a global strategic framework to analyze the
multilevel transmission of goals across international, national, and local scales. Firstly, it highlights how the EU’s “European Green Deal” and reforms in the
“Common Agricultural Policy” align with rural-related objectives post the 2015 SDGs. Secondly, it examines the national sustainable development strategies
of the Netherlands and Germany, focusing on key policies in Dutch rural areas in response to “sustainable food and agriculture strategies” and an “integrated
environmental vision”, as well as core policies in German rural areas in response to “principles of equitable development” and “green energy transformation”.
Thirdly, by delving into rural case studies from these countries, the paper showcases innovative local practices aligning with global SDGs and overarching
development strategies. These include “theme-based planning guidance”, “peri-urban circular agriculture”, “integrated cross-boundary governance” and “localized
branding”. Finally, drawing on China’s context, the paper proposes policy implications for national and local levels on leveraging rural sustainable development
concepts and adopting international planning methods and governance tools.