LAND RESOURCE GOVERNANCE, LAND USE EFFICIENCY, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF CHINA AND PAKISTAN

Abstract

Land is a vital resource for economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability. Efficient and sustainable use of land requires good governance, proper policies, and careful planning. This review paper examines land resource management, land use efficiency, and land quality transformation in China and Pakistan. It also explores the effects of urban–rural dynamics, ecological security, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) on land use. China’s experience with national land space governance, multigoal land policies, and low-carbon city programs provides important lessons for Pakistan, where land management faces institutional and policy challenges. The paper highlights the role of land quality, soil characteristics, and ecological connectivity in improving efficiency and promoting sustainable land use. Furthermore, it discusses how urban expansion, rural land use, and low-carbon transitions influence land markets and ecological outcomes. By comparing the two countries, the review identifies key research gaps, such as the need for more integrated studies on land governance, policy effectiveness, and ecological protection. The findings suggest that combining lessons from China with local practices in Pakistan can help develop more effective land management strategies. This review also points to future research opportunities, including spatial analysis, policy evaluation, and sustainable land use planning.