Mudflat development in Jiangsu Province, China: Practices and experiences

This paper examines resource uses on the coast of Jiangsu Province, China. It focuses on mudflat development and describes and evaluates the diverse resource uses, such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism and nature reserves, harbors and industrial development, and the salt and the chemical industry, that are found there. Continuous population growth and economic demands have resulted in conflicts between the multiple uses and mudflat protection. It is suggested that more attention should be paid to utilization efficiency and high value-added mudflat products. A conceptual framework is presented to guide mudflat development and suitable uses for each county are suggested to support local livelihoods and maintain healthy ecological processes.

Research highlights
► widen the knowledge on multiple uses of mudflat resources.
► provide the practices and experiences of mudflat development in China.
► propose a conceptual framework for evaluating the suitable mudflat development.
► propose suggestions for better mudflat development in sustainable ways.