ESG Value Research: “Wu Wei Er Zhi” Ecological Tea Farming Model in Xishuangbanna
Investigated the "Wu Wei Er Zhi" (effortless action) approach, a method of tea cultivation that uses no fertilizers or pesticides and relies on biodiversity for pest control, while tracing the historical factors that preserved ancient tea trees. Conducted surveys and in-depth interviews with 20+ farmers, intermediaries, and village officials, collecting primary data on industry status and income structures. Quantified the premium value generated by the natural farming model and identified structural bottlenecks such as “middleman dependency” that destabilize farmer incomes. Extracted ESG value from environmental, social, and governance dimensions, providing a replicable framework for sustainable ecological agriculture.