Understanding China’s Response to the Environmental Justice Movement in Shenzhen: Insights and Impacts

The Wutongshan River flows through the suburbs of Shenzhen, serving as a vital ecological zone for the city. Often called the “lungs of Shenzhen,” this area is rich in plants and animals and acts as a natural museum and a genetic reservoir for various species. It supplies 70% of Hong Kong’s water and 40% of Shenzhen’s water needs.

In October 2018, President Xi Jinping emphasized river management during his visit to Guangdong. Following this, the Guangdong Provincial Government launched the Blueway Project in April 2020. The Shenzhen government invested in the project to boost the local economy amidst the pandemic. However, the project was exempted from an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which limited public awareness and participation in its planning.

By late 2020, residents discovered that construction work on the river had begun. This included redirecting the river through large PVC pipes and filling the riverbed with concrete. The noise and dust from construction disrupted local life. The lack of an EIA led to a spontaneous “Not-In-My-Backyard” (NIMBY) campaign, exposing the weak state of environmental activism against major infrastructure projects in China.

In March 2021, local residents requested the EIA report and related documents. They found out that the construction lacked a proper EIA, and the environmental protection measures proposed were rudimentary. The feasibility study took a simplistic view of the impact on wildlife, stating, “the animals will escape on their own.”

Shenzhen, known for its environmental protection efforts, was expected to handle such matters better. However, the city faced criticism for its lack of transparency and poor public communication throughout the project. Although the city sought to adhere to regulations, it continued with the project, harming the local ecosystem.

After exhausting local complaint avenues, residents turned to environmental NGOs for help. A collaboration formed between grassroots organizations, law experts, and journalists. They produced a report highlighting major issues, including:

1. Illegal construction in protected areas.
2. Exemption from EIA requirements.
3. Negative effects on local wildlife.

The report urged the government to suspend the Blueway Project until a full EIA and ecological restoration plan could be completed. In response, the government provided a water quality report that claimed no pollution but inexplicably excluded key indicators like turbidity. The authorities made minor changes but maintained that the project did not require an EIA.

The grassroots campaign sought media coverage, but typical censorship thwarted their efforts. They shifted to social media, attracting considerable attention. Yet, instead of engaging with community concerns, local authorities launched investigations against campaign organizers, viewing the environmental issue through a lens of “stability and national security.” This led to the disbandment of their WeChat group, marking a significant setback for organized efforts.

With dwindling support, residents eventually appealed to the Shenzhen People’s Congress in February 2022. They presented their investigative report, urging for stricter regulations on the Blueway project and better oversight of construction activities. The Shenzhen Ecology and Environment Bureau responded in June 2022, asserting that EIA exemptions were mandated by higher authorities but pledged to include environmental chapters in future plans. By January 2023, the Blueway was completed and opened to the public, but the local biodiversity may never fully recover.

This situation reflects the broader challenges faced by environmental advocacy in China, where many organizations avoid confrontational campaigns to safeguard their existence. Despite obstacles, there remains a need for public participation to address environmental issues effectively. Communities must not only understand their rights but also have support from NGOs for advocacy efforts.

Even after the Blueway campaign, former group members are still striving for better environmental outcomes. Some now help monitor river pollution as citizen river chiefs, while others focus on educating children about nature. Many are involved in projects to protect biodiversity and engage in citizen science activities. Additionally, some NGOs are working to introduce clean energy solutions to remote areas. These efforts show resilience and a commitment to improving local environments, even in the face of setbacks.