Experiences in promoting the development of suburban edible landscapes through place branding: A case study from Xiamen City, China

Abstract

Edible landscapes are emerging as a sustainable landscape concept, but face many challenges in the development process. This paper explores how suburban communities can promote the development of edible landscapes through place branding, using the example of the community of Mian-Qian-Pu in Xiamen City, China. Through in-depth interviews, fieldwork and non-participant observation, the study findings revealed that: 1. The development of edible landscapes was promoted through the identification of unique resources and their transformation into a brand, the synergistic collaboration of brand stakeholders, and the marketing tools of modern information technology. 2. A rich variety of activities, diversified promotional tools, as well as digital technology and online marketing built the community's edible landscape brand. 3. The community effectively promoted edible landscapes through place-branding strategies, which have had a significant impact on the community, such as the increase of community social capital, the transformation of economic structure, the development of industrial integration, and the enhancement of people's environmental awareness. This study demonstrates that the dilemmas and challenges in edible landscape development could be mitigated through place branding, which can provide references for governments, communities, and edible landscape facilitators.