Local industry and sustainable city : a case study of the traditional tea industry in Hangzhou City

Abstract

Sustainable development has become a popular trend in today's world with many national governments recognizing the severe environmental damages caused by inappropriate economic development. Cooperating with international organizations, national governments are working together to deal with the global environmental issues. In addition, sustainability has also been identified in the local development. Development strategies at the local level cause a significant change in the improvement of environment conservation, enhancement of life quality and emphasis on the harmony of society. To achieve local sustainability, industries in local communities will be confronted with challenges. This dissertation aims to investigate the relationship between local industry and sustainable city, using a case study of traditional tea industry in Hangzhou city. The research is carried out by surveys and interviews to tea farmers, local government officers and tea researchers. The dissertation shows that the implementation of sustainability in the tea industry at local level is active, but faces challenges of environmental degradation and fake tea.