Report on Sustainable Development Initiatives in Xuanya Village, Sichuan Province

This report details the outcomes of a targeted poverty alleviation program in Xuanya village, Zhaojue county, analyzing its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Advancements in Poverty Eradication and Economic Growth (SDG 1 & SDG 8)

The project has successfully addressed SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through a multi-faceted strategy focused on income generation and relocation.

• Income Enhancement: The per capita annual income for former residents of the cliff-top village increased from less than 5,000 yuan in 2017 to 19,600 yuan ($2,736) by 2024.
• Economic Diversification: To ensure long-term economic stability, the local government has introduced new agricultural ventures on the village’s former land, including the cultivation of olive trees and navel oranges with the support of agricultural experts.

Infrastructure, Innovation, and Sustainable Communities (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

Significant investments in infrastructure have been central to creating a safe and sustainable living environment for the community, in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1. Initial Infrastructure Upgrade: The original vine ladders were replaced by a 2.9-kilometer steel ladder with 2,556 steps, providing a safer connection to the outside world.
2. Community Relocation: In May 2020, all 84 impoverished households were relocated from the isolated mountaintop to new apartment complexes in the county seat.
3. Affordable and Safe Housing: The relocation was facilitated by government subsidies, with each villager paying a nominal fee of 3,000 yuan per 25 square meters of housing. This initiative provided secure and modern housing, removing the daily risks associated with the cliffside location.

Reducing Inequalities and Improving Social Well-being (SDG 3, SDG 4 & SDG 10)

The program has directly contributed to reducing inequalities and improving the quality of life for the residents of the Yi ethnic village.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The project specifically targeted a historically isolated and impoverished ethnic minority community, providing them with opportunities and resources comparable to those in more developed areas.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Relocation has eliminated the hazardous 800-meter cliff climb, drastically improving the physical safety and mental well-being of all former residents.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Moving to the county seat provides children with safer and more reliable access to educational facilities, a significant improvement from the previous perilous journey to and from school.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article’s central theme is poverty alleviation. It explicitly states that the relocation of villagers was part of “China’s efforts to alleviate poverty” and focuses on the economic improvement of “84 poor households.”

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article highlights efforts to create sustainable economic opportunities for the villagers. This is shown through the introduction of new agricultural ventures like growing “olive trees and navel oranges” and the resulting significant increase in per capita income, which points to productive employment and economic growth for the community.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The development of critical infrastructure is a key element. The article mentions the construction of a “2.9-km-long and 2,556-step steel ladder” to replace the dangerous vine ladders, connecting the village to the outside world. The relocation to “brand-new apartments” also represents a major upgrade in social infrastructure.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The project specifically targets a vulnerable and marginalized group: residents of a remote “Yi ethnic village” who were living in poverty. By providing them with better housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, the initiative directly addresses social and economic inequalities.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article discusses the relocation of an entire village from a precarious and unsafe location (“cliff village”) to a safer and more integrated community in the county seat. This action ensures access to safe and affordable housing, as detailed by the subsidized apartment scheme, making the human settlement safer and more sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. The article states that “All of the village’s 84 poor households moved,” effectively eliminating poverty for this entire community based on their previous condition.
   • Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services… The provision of “brand-new apartments” through a subsidized government program directly addresses access to basic services (housing) for the poor.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation… The article mentions that the local government “brought in agricultural experts to help grow olive trees and navel oranges,” which represents agricultural diversification and upgrading to boost incomes.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. The construction of the “steel ladder” to replace the vine ladders is a direct example of creating reliable infrastructure to connect a remote population.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… ethnicity… or economic or other status. The project’s focus on the “Yi ethnic village” and its “poor households” demonstrates a clear effort to promote the social and economic inclusion of a specific marginalized group.

5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services… The relocation from a dangerous cliff-side dwelling to subsidized “brand-new apartments in the county seat” directly fulfills this target by providing safe and affordable housing.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 1 (No Poverty):

   The article provides a direct quantitative indicator of income growth. It states the “per capita annual income of former residents in Xuanya village reached 19,600 yuan ($2,736) last year, up from less than 5,000 yuan in 2017.” This measures progress in moving people out of poverty.

2. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):

   An implied indicator is the diversification of the local economy. The article mentions the introduction of new cash crops (“olive trees and navel oranges”), which serves as a qualitative indicator of economic diversification and productivity enhancement.

3. For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure):

   A clear indicator is the description of the new infrastructure itself: “a 2.9-km-long and 2,556-step steel ladder.” This serves as a measure of improved access for a previously isolated rural community.

4. For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):

   The income growth of a specific, targeted group serves as an indicator. The increase in per capita income from under 5,000 yuan to 19,600 yuan for the “Yi ethnic village” residents measures the closing of the economic gap for this group.

5. For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):

   The article provides indicators related to access to affordable and safe housing. It mentions that “All of the village’s 84 poor households moved into brand-new apartments” and details the affordability: “each villager paid only 3,000 yuan per 25 square meters.” This measures the proportion of the population with access to adequate housing.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ecns.cn