Review of the evolution of cultivated land protection policies in the period following China's reform and liberalization

- We reviewed the evolution of cultivated land protection policies (CLPP) in China.
- The policies developed over four different periods following 1978.
- CLPP of China developed and acquired distinct characteristics in different periods.
- CLPP have continually improved and now play an important role in land management.

Along with the rapid economic and social development that has occurred since 1978, when China adopted a policy of reform and liberalization, the cultivated land area has rapidly decreased. Identifying the best mechanism for protecting cultivated land has attracted much attention from the Chinese government. As a result, a succession of cultivated land protection policies have been devised and promulgated. To better understand these policies, this study reviewed the development of China's cultivated land protection policies since 1978. The policies developed over four different periods following 1978: (1) 1978-1985, (2) 1986-1997, (3) 1998-2003, and (4) 2004 to the present. During each stage, cultivated land protection policies continually developed and acquired distinct characteristics in response to a succession of varying economic and social contexts. Although China has encountered difficulties and setbacks in implementing policies, and results have been sometimes unsatisfactory, land protection policies have continually improved and now play an important role in managing China's cultivated land.