Rusong WANG, Jingsong YAN, Bingyou LU and Dan HU. 1998. 
The Practice of Integrated Bio-Systems in China
In: Integrated Bio-Systems in Zero Emissions Applications.
Proceedings of the Internet Conference on Integrated Biosystems.
Eds: Eng-Leong Foo & Tarcisio Della Senta. 1998 http://www.ias.unu.edu/proceedings/icibs/wang
 
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About the Authors
Prof. Rusong Wang (in photo), Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Academia Sinica (CAS), Beijing 100080, P.R. China. <wangrs@sun.ihep.ac.cn>  
Prof. Wang is the chairman of the Department of Systems Ecology at RCEES. He is currently the secretary-general of the Chinese Ecological Society, secretary-general of Ecotechnology Network, member of the board of the International Ecological Engineering Society.  
Prof. Jingsong Yan, Nanjing Institute of Geography, China  
Prof. Yan is an eminent scientist in China and has spent more than 40 years on studies and applications of watershed ecological engineering, wastewater treatment with some successful designs in the integration of ecological technology in China.  
Dr. Bingyou Lu, RCEES, CAS, Beijing.  
Dr. Lu is doing research on the comprehensive utilization of corn resources.  
Dr Dan Hu, RCEES, CAS, Beijing. His research interest is urban ecology and restoration. 
Abstract
The practice of integrated bio-systems in China can be traced back to 3000 years ago. Chinese philosophers elaborated the harmonious relationship of Tian (heaven or universe), Di (earth or resource) and Ren (people or society) into a systematic set of principles for managing the relationships between man and its environment. Dao-Li is the natural relationship with the universe, geography, climate, etc.), Shi-Li is for planning and management of human activities, such as agriculture, warfare, politics, family and others, and Qing-Li for ecological ethics, psychological feelings, motives and values towards the environment.  Other theories like Yin and Yang theory, Wuxing theory, Zhong Yong and Feng-Shui theory are some of these principles that emphasized  holism, symbiosis, recycling and self-reliance in ancient China.   

Agro-ecological engineering (AEE) is now being encouraged by the Chinese government and practiced from grassroots level. AEE is rapidly expanding over the country through projects that include eco-farming, eco-forestry, eco-husbandry and eco-fishing. The success of AEE can be attributed to networks for extension, administration, as well as advisory, technology service, monitoring, training, legislation and research. There are currently more than 2,000 AEE pilot projects in levels of villages, townships and counties involving some 10 % of the Chinese population and land of the whole country.   

The paper provides an overview of the various types and levels of integrated bio-systems for agricultural practices (e.g. to maximize horizontal and vertical space, resource utilization, agro-industrial production systems, pest control and management), solid waste and waste water treatment and utilization, sustainable community development and restoration of degraded environments in China.