Exploring the Impact of Traditional Village Landscapes on Community Sustainability: Insights for Biotech-Driven Rural Development

Abstract

In the context of China’s rural revitalization efforts, ensuring sustainable population retention in traditional villages has emerged as a critical challenge. This study examines the impact of traditional village landscape resources on resident satisfaction and settlement intentions, with a focus on Xiling Township in Pingnan County, Ningde City. A structural equation model was constructed to analyze the relationships between landscape resources, satisfaction, and settlement intentions using data from sample questionnaires and statistical analysis via SPSS and AMOS software. The results demonstrate the following: Landscape resources significantly affect resident satisfaction, with the impact hierarchy being social and cultural resources (0.287) > natural resources (0.267) > settlement resources (0.187) > planning and utilization (0.122). Resident satisfaction mediates the relationship between most dimensions of landscape resources and settlement intentions, except for settlement resources. Distinctions exist between urban-to-rural migrants and local residents. For urban migrants, all four landscape resource dimensions positively influence satisfaction and settlement intentions. For local residents, only natural, settlement, and social and cultural resources affect satisfaction, which does not significantly impact their settlement intentions. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of how landscape resources shape resident perceptions and intentions, highlighting their role in fostering community attachment and emotional connection. Integrating these insights with biotechnological applications, such as eco-friendly resource management and sustainable planning, can enhance traditional village environments. This approach supports revitalization efforts, promotes sustainable development, and preserves the cultural and ecological heritage of traditional Chinese villages.