China

1. Overview

China's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2030) was formulated by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment together with relevant departments, succeeding the earlier 2011–2030 strategy [§2]. China presided over COP15 and led adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework itself; this NBSAP serves as the domestic implementation instrument for that framework [§2].

The strategy is organised around six strategic tasks, four priority areas, and 27 priority actions, each accompanied by named priority projects [§14]. China sets quantitative 2030 national commitments*China's NBSAP labels these "strategic objectives" (战略目标). This page uses "national commitment" to avoid confusion with the 23 GBF Targets. Similarly, China's six "strategic tasks" (战略任务) serve as the high-level organising framework, partially overlapping GBF Goals A–D but also covering governance and international cooperation. The 27 "priority actions" (优先行动) are China's operational commitments, mapped here to the relevant GBF Targets. covering ecosystem restoration, area-based conservation, species protection, invasive species control, pollution reduction, and benefit-sharing from genetic resources, alongside directional commitments on monitoring, governance, and finance [§13]. The plan also sets 2035 milestones and a 2050 vision of "Beautiful China characterised by harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature" [§13].

Two features distinguish this NBSAP. First, as COP15 presidency holder, China occupies a dual position as both architect and implementer of the KMGBF, underscored by its establishment of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund with a lead contribution of 1.5 billion yuan RMB — the sole concrete financial figure in the document [§8][§114]. Second, the 30×30 target is delivered through a dual-track system combining formal protected areas (~18% terrestrial territory) with ecological conservation red lines† (≥30% terrestrial territory), a legally distinct spatial tool with no direct KMGBF analogue [§13][§38].

†Ecological conservation red lines (生态保护红线) are legally binding spatial designations encompassing areas of critical ecological function and extreme ecological fragility, distinct from protected areas.

China's NBSAP translates the global framework it helped create into a domestic plan of 27 priority actions backed by quantitative 2030 targets on restoration, area-based conservation, species protection, pollution, and invasive species — delivered through a dual conservation architecture of national parks and ecological conservation red lines, but without an aggregate implementation cost estimate or domestic budget allocation.

Sources:

• §2 — Foreword
• §8 — Foreword > China's Biodiversity Conservation Achievements
• §13 — Foreword > IV. Strategic Objectives
• §14 — Foreword > V. Strategic Tasks
• §38 — Priority Action 7: Ecological Space Protection
• §114 — Priority Action 27 > Launch and Implementation of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund

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2. Ecological Context

China possesses all types of terrestrial ecosystems found globally, including 212 forest types, 77 meadow types, 55 grassland types, 52 desert types, and 13 secondary categories of wetland, alongside marine ecosystems spanning mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and upwelling zones [§3]. Forest area totals 231 million hectares (24.02% coverage), grassland 265 million hectares, and wetland 56.35 million hectares, with 82 Ramsar-listed wetlands ranking fourth globally [§3]. The country contains 45,203 rivers with catchment areas above 5,000 hectares [§3].

Species richness is correspondingly high: 135,061 known species, including 694 mammals, 1,445 birds, 5,082 fish, and 35,714 vascular plants [§3]. Over 28,000 marine species have been recorded, approximately 11% of the world's marine species total [§3]. China is a primary centre of origin for rice, soybeans, foxtail millet, and multiple fruit species, and reports 948 livestock and poultry breeds in the National Catalogue of Genetic Resources [§3].

The pressures acting on this diversity are scale-matched. Forest ecosystems have "a relatively high proportion of single-species tree plantations" and overall forest quality "remains at a moderate level" [§5]. Grassland ecosystems have experienced degradation and "remain generally fragile"; desertification and soil erosion problems "remain severe" [§5]. Some river channels, wetlands, and lakes have experienced reduced or lost ecological functions [§5]. The China Biodiversity Red List records 4,088 threatened higher plant species (10.39% of assessed) and 1,050 threatened vertebrate species excluding marine fish (22.02% of assessed) [§6].

Sources:

• §3 — Foreword > I. Overview > Status of Biodiversity
• §5 — Foreword > 1. Fragile ecosystems facing degradation
• §6 — Foreword > 2. High proportion of threatened species

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3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

China's 2030 national commitments are stated in the strategic objectives section [§13]. They divide into measurable commitments with quantitative thresholds and directional aspirations specifying intent without defined metrics.

Ecosystem restoration (GBF Targets 2, 11)

"At least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine ecosystems shall be effectively restored" by 2030 [§13]. Supporting commitments set forest coverage at approximately 25% and grassland vegetation coverage at approximately 60% [§41]. Delivery instruments include 51 integrated protection and restoration projects for mountains, waters, forests, farmland, lakes, grassland, and deserts, plus 100 key projects under the Overall Plan for Major Projects for the Conservation and Restoration of National Key Ecosystems (2021–2035) [§8]. Marine restoration covers mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and shoreline remediation through the Blue Bay campaign and coastal zone restoration projects [§8][§43].

Measurability assessment: The 30% restoration and forest/grassland coverage figures are measurable commitments. The NBSAP does not define a baseline year or methodology for "effectively restored."

Area-based conservation (GBF Target 3)

"At least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas shall be effectively conserved and managed" by 2030 [§13]. This target is met through two parallel systems: natural protected areas centred on national parks (~18% of terrestrial territory) and ecological conservation red lines (≥30% of terrestrial territory, ≥150,000 km² marine) [§13]. Five national parks — Sanjiangyuan, Giant Panda, Northeast China Tiger and Leopard, Hainan Tropical Rainforest, and Wuyishan — are already established [§8]. OECMs are under development, with China committing to formulate recognition standards and carry out pilot demonstrations [§45]. The conservation rate for nationally key protected terrestrial wild animal and plant species is to reach approximately 80% each by 2030 [§13].

Measurability assessment: The 30×30, 18%, 150,000 km², and 80% species conservation rate targets are measurable commitments.

Invasive alien species (GBF Target 6)

Rates of introduction and establishment of known or potential invasive alien species are to be reduced by at least 50% by 2030 [§56]. Instruments include the Three-Year Special Campaign to Strictly Prevent Invasive Alien Species, the National Gate Green Shield port-of-entry campaign, and development of integrated prevention, control, and biological control technologies [§56][§57][§58].

Measurability assessment: Measurable commitment — quantified reduction with deadline.

Pollution reduction (GBF Target 7)

Ten types of highly toxic and acutely toxic pesticides are to be progressively phased out; the safe utilisation rate of contaminated farmland is to reach ≥95%; Class V-inferior nationally monitored water cross-sections and urban black and odorous water bodies are to be "basically eliminated" [§61]. Campaigns target chemical fertiliser and pesticide reduction, agricultural plastic film recovery, and full-chain plastic pollution control [§61][§73].

Measurability assessment: The pesticide phase-out, 95% safe utilisation rate, and water quality elimination targets are measurable commitments. Nitrogen/phosphorus emission intensity and plastic pollution targets are directional aspirations (direction specified, no threshold defined).

Yangtze River aquatic biological integrity (GBF Target 10)

"The Yangtze River aquatic biological integrity index shall show improvement" by 2030 [§13]. The ten-year Yangtze fishing ban — already in effect — is the primary instrument, with initial recovery of the Yangtze finless porpoise reported [§8].

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration — direction specified but no quantitative threshold defined.

Genetic resources and benefit-sharing (GBF Target 13)

"Benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and DSI (digital sequence information) and associated traditional knowledge shall be shared fairly and equitably" [§13]. Two dedicated priority actions (19 and 20) address ABS and traditional knowledge respectively. A Regulation on Access to Biological Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing is under development [§17]. Pilot benefit-sharing projects are specified for Hunan, Guangxi, Hainan, and Yunnan [§89].

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration — intent is clear but no measurable threshold is defined.

Monitoring and governance framework

The national biodiversity monitoring network is to be "essentially completed" and the policy, legal, institutional, standards, and monitoring frameworks "essentially established" by 2030 [§13]. A diversified investment and financing mechanism is to be "basically established," with funding "significantly enhanced" [§109].

Measurability assessment: Directional aspirations — qualitative milestones without defined completion criteria.

Sources:

• §8 — Foreword > China's Biodiversity Conservation Achievements
• §13 — Foreword > IV. Strategic Objectives
• §17 — Priority Action 1 > Regulation on Access to Biological Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing
• §41 — Priority Action 8: Ecosystem Restoration
• §43 — Priority Action 8 > Marine Ecosystem Restoration
• §45 — Priority Action 9 > Standards Development and Demonstration for OECMs
• §56 — Priority Action 12: Biosafety Management
• §57 — Priority Action 12 > Monitoring and Early Warning of Invasive Alien Species
• §58 — Priority Action 12 > Interception and Prevention of Important Invasive Alien Species
• §61 — Priority Action 13: Environmental Quality Improvement
• §73 — Priority Action 16: Sustainable Management of Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries
• §89 — Priority Action 19 > Construction and Pilot Demonstration of Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms
• §109 — Priority Action 26: Diversified Investment and Financing Mechanisms

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4. Delivery Architecture

Legislation

The existing legislative base includes the Environmental Protection Law, Wildlife Protection Law, Marine Environment Protection Law, Biosafety Law, and Yangtze River Protection Law [§8]. The NBSAP commits to expediting the National Parks Law and advancing laws covering genetic resource ABS, ecological conservation red lines, natural protected areas, forests, grasslands, and wetlands [§15]. A legal review programme is specified, covering effectiveness assessments and gap analyses of biodiversity-related legislation [§16].

Spatial conservation programmes

The protected natural areas system is centred on national parks as the mainstay, nature reserves as the foundation, and nature parks as supplements. Thirty-two terrestrial biodiversity conservation priority areas already cover approximately 28.8% of national territory [§8]. Specialised biodiversity action plans are to be developed for six nationally important strategic regions: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau [§25].

Law enforcement campaigns

Named campaigns provide the enforcement framework: Green Shield (protected area supervision), China Fisheries Administration Bright Sword (aquatic species and fishing bans), Kunlun, Clear Wind, Net Shield, and National Gate Sharp Sword (illegal wildlife trade), Green Guard (forest and grassland enforcement), and Blue Sea (marine ecological damage) [§8][§102][§103].

Market mechanisms

Green finance instruments include incorporation of biodiversity into the Green Bond Endorsed Project Catalogue, deepened payment for ecosystem services, and ecological products that are "tradeable, pledgeable and convertible to cash" [§109]. An ecological product certification system with Chinese characteristics is under development [§82].

Institutional arrangements

Implementation operates under "central coordination, provincial overall responsibility, and municipal and county-level implementation" [§117]. The State Council coordination mechanism for strengthening biodiversity conservation serves as the apex body [§117]. A Biodiversity Expert Advisory Committee is to be established for strategic review [§120]. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment leads inter-departmental coordination and annual progress reporting [§19].

Sources:

• §8 — Foreword > China's Biodiversity Conservation Achievements
• §15 — Priority Action 1: Biodiversity Policy and Regulatory Framework
• §16 — Priority Action 1 > Priority Projects for the Biodiversity Policy and Regulatory Framework
• §19 — Priority Action 2 > Improving the Coordinated and Joint Mechanism
• §25 — Priority Action 3 > Biodiversity Conservation Action Plans for Important Strategic Regions
• §82 — Priority Action 17 > Standardisation of Ecological Product Certification Systems
• §102 — Priority Action 23: Biodiversity Law Enforcement and Supervision
• §103 — Priority Action 23 > Special Law Enforcement Actions Against Illegal Trade
• §109 — Priority Action 26: Diversified Investment and Financing Mechanisms
• §117 — Safeguard Measures > I. Strengthening Organisational Leadership
• §120 — Safeguard Measures > IV. Strengthening Scientific and Technological Support

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4a. Ecological Conservation Red Lines and the Dual-Track 30×30 Architecture

China's approach to area-based conservation operates through two legally distinct systems. The first — formal protected areas centred on national parks — is to cover approximately 18% of terrestrial territory by 2030 [§13]. The second — ecological conservation red lines‡ — covers no less than 30% of terrestrial territory and no less than 150,000 km² of marine area [§13].

‡Ecological civilisation (生态文明) is a national governance framework embedding environmental considerations across all policy domains. The ecological conservation red line system operates within this framework.

The red-line system encompasses areas of critical ecological function and extreme ecological fragility. It is governed by strict management and control of human activities, with biodiversity impact assessment incorporated into management requirements for large-scale engineering construction and resource development projects — with "whole-process oversight covering pre-project, in-project, and post-project stages" [§38]. Monitoring of ecological conservation red lines uses evaluation indicator systems covering natural resources, land use, ecological functions, and environmental quality, with regular conservation effectiveness assessments [§40].

The two systems overlap but are not coterminous. Protected areas and red lines serve different legal and administrative functions: protected areas are defined primarily by biodiversity and landscape values; red lines are defined by ecological function and fragility, capturing areas that may fall outside the protected area estate. Combined, they form the mechanism through which China meets the 30×30 target — a dual-track architecture distinct from the single protected-area approach used by most countries.

OECMs represent a third, emerging category. China commits to researching OECM standards "suited to China's conditions," formulating recognition criteria, and carrying out pilot demonstrations for terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine OECMs [§45].

Sources:

• §13 — Foreword > IV. Strategic Objectives
• §38 — Priority Action 7: Ecological Space Protection
• §40 — Priority Action 7 > Monitoring, Assessment, and Oversight of Ecological Conservation Red Lines
• §45 — Priority Action 9 > Standards Development and Demonstration for OECMs

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4b. Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources, and Benefit-Sharing

The NBSAP devotes two full priority actions (19 and 20) to genetic resource access and benefit-sharing (ABS) and traditional knowledge, with additional content across the strategic objectives, germplasm infrastructure, and named pilot provinces.

For ABS governance, the plan commits to a Regulation on Access to Biological Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing defining management provisions for collection, utilisation, benefit-sharing, and import/export [§17]. A catalogue of biological genetic resources subject to key regulatory oversight is to be compiled, and declaration and registration measures formulated for important genetic resources [§88]. Enterprise-level demonstration projects are to explore ABS mechanisms and compile model cooperation agreements [§33]. Pilot benefit-sharing projects are specified for Hunan, Guangxi, Hainan, and Yunnan [§89].

The germplasm resource infrastructure underlying this system is among the most detailed documented in any NBSAP: 530,000 crop germplasm accessions in a tiered national repository system; a three-tiered livestock conservation barrier comprising the national repository, regional gene banks, and 217 conservation farms; 161 national-level forest germplasm repositories; and approximately 140,000 marine fisheries accessions [§8]. A National Chinese Medicinal Materials Germplasm Resource Bank is under development [§50]. Precision identification of crop germplasm resources is to construct "molecular identity cards" through DNA molecular fingerprint libraries [§70].

For traditional knowledge, the NBSAP commits to surveys and cataloguing across agriculture, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional crafts, folk customs, and recreational arts [§90]. A traditional knowledge protection and registration system is to be established, and a national digital library of traditional Chinese medicine ancient texts and traditional knowledge is to be built [§90]. Regulations on the protection of traditional Chinese medicine traditional knowledge are to be formulated [§90]. Integration with intangible cultural heritage systems and geographical indication product status is specified [§71][§91].

Digital sequence information (DSI) is explicitly named in the 2030 strategic objectives as subject to fair and equitable benefit-sharing [§13].

Sources:

• §8 — Foreword > China's Biodiversity Conservation Achievements
• §13 — Foreword > IV. Strategic Objectives
• §17 — Priority Action 1 > Regulation on Access to Biological Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing
• §33 — Priority Action 5 > Demonstration of Enterprise Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing
• §50 — Priority Action 10 > National Chinese Medicinal Materials Germplasm Resource Bank
• §70 — Priority Action 15 > Precision Identification of Crop Germplasm Resources
• §71 — Priority Action 15 > Sharing and Utilisation of Agricultural Germplasm Resources
• §88 — Priority Action 19: Access to Biological Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing
• §89 — Priority Action 19 > Construction and Pilot Demonstration of Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms
• §90 — Priority Action 20: Protection and Inheritance of Traditional Knowledge
• §91 — Priority Action 20 > Emergency Protection of Biodiversity-Related Traditional Knowledge

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5. Monitoring and Accountability

Oversight. The State Council coordination mechanism provides apex oversight. The MEE leads inter-departmental coordination, compiles annual work progress reports, and proposes the following year's work plans [§19]. Provincial ecological environment departments report regularly to the MEE on progress and issues [§119]. Biodiversity protection is incorporated into central ecological and environmental protection inspections [§102].

Monitoring framework. The NBSAP commits to essentially completing the national biodiversity monitoring network by 2030 [§13]. Regular surveys and routine monitoring are to achieve "full coverage of ecosystems in key regions, key species and important biological genetic resources" [§93]. A smart monitoring and early warning system integrating space, air, and ground capabilities is specified, using AI, remote sensing, IoT, and cloud computing [§104]. A national biodiversity regulatory data integration and sharing system is to promote cross-departmental, cross-regional, and cross-level data aggregation [§104].

Assessment cycle. A comprehensive national biodiversity assessment report is to be published every five years; the China Biodiversity Red List is to be updated every five years; the China Species Catalogue is to be updated annually [§97][§98]. An annual progress reporting system is established for coordination mechanism members [§97]. Dynamic assessment of biodiversity status in key regions covers ecosystem quality, conservation effectiveness, and impacts of development activities [§99]. A biodiversity conservation assessment indicator repository is to track progress by governments at all levels [§101].

Adaptive management. The plan specifies biodiversity impact assessments for major engineering projects and tracking of local action plan implementation [§100][§101]. Subnational governments are to formulate their own biodiversity conservation strategies and action plans [§118].

Sources:

• §13 — Foreword > IV. Strategic Objectives
• §19 — Priority Action 2 > Improving the Coordinated and Joint Mechanism
• §93 — Priority Action 21: Biodiversity Survey and Monitoring
• §97 — Priority Action 22: Biodiversity Assessment
• §98 — Priority Action 22 > National Biodiversity Status Assessment
• §99 — Priority Action 22 > Dynamic Assessment of Biodiversity Status in Key Regions
• §100 — Priority Action 22 > Biodiversity Impact Assessment for Major Engineering Construction
• §101 — Priority Action 22 > Tracking and Assessment of Local Action Plans
• §102 — Priority Action 23: Biodiversity Law Enforcement and Supervision
• §104 — Priority Action 24: Smart Biodiversity Governance
• §118 — Safeguard Measures > II. Implementing Responsibilities of All Parties
• §119 — Safeguard Measures > III. Strict Supervision and Inspection

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6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

The sole quantified financial figure in the NBSAP is the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, to which China contributed 1.5 billion yuan RMB to support biodiversity conservation in developing countries [§8][§114]. No aggregate domestic implementation cost, budget allocation, or resource mobilisation target in currency or GDP terms is provided.

The financing architecture spans four channels. Domestic public finance is addressed through directions to "establish and improve long-term funding guarantee mechanisms" with fiscal support at all levels [§121]. Green finance instruments include incorporation of biodiversity into the Green Bond Endorsed Project Catalogue, alignment with carbon emission reduction monetary policy instruments, and payment for ecosystem services [§109]. Social and private capital is to be mobilised through government guidance funds and market-based investment and financing mechanisms [§109][§121]. International funding channels include the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, the GEF, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and Belt and Road Initiative mechanisms [§111].

A National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Financing Plan is to be formulated — the NBSAP explicitly indicates this plan is yet to be developed, covering fiscal funding, social capital, market-based transactions, reform policies, collective action, and climate financing synergies [§110]. Harmful subsidies are addressed in a single sentence: policies and measures detrimental to biodiversity are to be "gradually reformed and phased out" [§109]. No timeline, sectoral identification, or quantification accompanies this commitment.

GBF Target 19 (finance mobilisation) receives a dedicated priority action and the 2030 target that "a diversified investment and financing mechanism for biodiversity shall be basically established" [§109] — but this remains a directional aspiration without a currency-denominated target.

Sources:

• §8 — Foreword > China's Biodiversity Conservation Achievements
• §109 — Priority Action 26: Diversified Investment and Financing Mechanisms
• §110 — Priority Action 26 > Formulation of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Financing Plan
• §111 — Priority Action 27: International Convention Compliance and Cooperation
• §114 — Priority Action 27 > Launch and Implementation of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund
• §121 — Safeguard Measures > V. Strengthening Funding Safeguards

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7. GBF Target Coverage

Target 1: Spatial planning — Addressed

The NBSAP requires biodiversity conservation to be incorporated as a component of territorial spatial planning. Ecological conservation red lines are to be strictly maintained, with differentiated ecological and environmental access lists aligned with zoning requirements. Biodiversity impact assessment is required for large-scale engineering and resource development projects with whole-process oversight. Thirty-two terrestrial biodiversity conservation priority areas already cover approximately 28.8% of national territory; marine and coastal priority areas are to be delineated. Dynamic monitoring and conservation effectiveness assessments of red lines are specified.

Target 2: Ecosystem restoration — Addressed

China commits to restoring at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030, with forest coverage reaching approximately 25% and grassland vegetation coverage approximately 60%. Instruments include the integrated "mountains, waters, forests, farmland, lakes, grassland, and deserts" governance programme, marine restoration through the Blue Bay campaign, and ecological corridor construction using near-natural engineering measures. The NBSAP explicitly instructs removal of fences and barrier nets blocking animal migration.

Target 3: Protected areas (30×30) — Addressed

The 30×30 target is adopted by name. Natural protected areas centred on national parks are to account for approximately 18% of terrestrial territory, with ecological conservation red lines covering ≥30% of terrestrial territory and ≥150,000 km² marine area. Five national parks are established, protecting 90% of terrestrial ecosystem types. OECM recognition standards are under development. The species conservation rate for nationally key protected species is to reach approximately 80% each. During the 14th Five-Year Plan, approximately 650 important habitats for wild animals and 300 in-situ plant conservation sites are to be established.

Target 4: Species recovery — Addressed

The NBSAP addresses species recovery through in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Conservation action plans are to be implemented for seven species including Chinese white dolphin and Chinese sturgeon. The national crop germplasm system conserves 530,000 accessions (see Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources, and Benefit-Sharing). 112 species of endemic rare and endangered wild plants have been reintroduced. The China Biodiversity Red List is updated every five years, the China Species Catalogue annually. A dedicated programme addresses conservation and recovery of "extremely small populations."

Target 5: Sustainable harvest — Addressed

A comprehensive law enforcement and supervision system is to be established by 2030. The ten-year Yangtze River fishing ban is already in effect, with initial recovery of the Yangtze finless porpoise reported. CITES obligations are to be strengthened, with attention to online transactions and express delivery as trade vectors. Fisheries management includes moratoriums, quota-based fishing, marine capture quota pilots, and action against IUU fishing. Named enforcement campaigns — Kunlun, Clear Wind, Net Shield, National Gate Sharp Sword — target illegal wildlife trade.

Target 6: Invasive alien species — Addressed

China commits to reducing IAS introduction and establishment rates by at least 50% by 2030. The Three-Year Special Campaign to Strictly Prevent Invasive Alien Species and the National Gate Green Shield port-of-entry campaign provide enforcement. Baseline information databases, monitoring and early warning systems, and integrated prevention and biological control technologies are specified. The NBSAP addresses the exotic pet trade as a pathway for invasive species.

Target 7: Pollution reduction — Addressed

Ten types of highly toxic and acutely toxic pesticides are to be progressively phased out. The safe utilisation rate of contaminated farmland is to reach ≥95%. Class V-inferior water cross-sections and urban black and odorous water bodies are to be basically eliminated. Full-chain plastic pollution control is required. An ecological risk assessment system with biodiversity as an indicator is to be constructed. The NBSAP specifies protecting bees and earthworms during pollution control measures.

Target 8: Climate and biodiversity — Addressed

A dedicated priority action establishes three support systems: for biodiversity adaptation to climate change, for ecosystem carbon stabilisation and sink enhancement, and for synergies between climate and biodiversity action. NbS and EbA are referenced by name. Monitoring and accounting systems for ecosystem carbon sources and sinks are to be established. Pilot demonstrations are planned across natural, urban, agricultural, and socio-economic systems. Ocean acidification is not mentioned.

Target 9: Wild species use — Mentioned

The NBSAP addresses sustainable use of wild species resources through eco-industries, eco-tourism, and ecological product value realisation, but frames these through economic development rather than benefits for vulnerable or customary-use populations. Customary sustainable use is not explicitly addressed.

Target 10: Agriculture / forestry — Addressed

Biodiversity-friendly practices including ecological agriculture, symbiotic farming, and pollinator restoration are specified. Yangtze River and Yellow River aquatic biological integrity indices are to be established. Soil health assessment with biodiversity as an indicator is to be developed. A white-list system for aquaculture inputs and livestock-grassland balance policies address sustainable production. The risk of threats to pollinating insects is to be "significantly reduced" by 2030.

Target 11: Ecosystem services (NbS) — Addressed

Ecological product value realisation mechanisms are to be established by 2030, with value assessment standards, conversion platforms, and market transaction systems. NbS and EbA are applied for climate resilience and carbon sink functions. Payment for ecosystem services mechanisms are to be deepened. Ecological products are to be made "tradeable, pledgeable and convertible to cash."

Target 12: Urban biodiversity — Addressed

A dedicated priority action with four sub-projects addresses urban biodiversity — a level of specificity that is unusual among NBSAPs. A national specialised plan for urban biodiversity conservation is to be formulated. Blue-green spaces and ecological corridors are to be improved. Biodiversity is to be integrated into existing designation systems including National Garden Cities, National Forest Cities, and Ecological Civilisation Construction Demonstration Zones. Smart monitoring networks for urban biodiversity are specified.

Target 13: Genetic resources / ABS — Addressed

DSI is explicitly named in the 2030 strategic objectives. Two dedicated priority actions cover ABS and traditional knowledge. A Regulation on Access to Biological Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing is under development. Pilot benefit-sharing projects are specified for four provinces. Enterprise-level ABS demonstration projects are planned. A traditional knowledge protection and registration system, a national digital library of traditional Chinese medicine texts, and regulations on traditional knowledge protection are to be established (see Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources, and Benefit-Sharing).

Target 14: Mainstreaming — Addressed

Biodiversity mainstreaming is the first of four priority areas, spanning six priority actions. Biodiversity conservation is to be incorporated into national economic and social development plans at all government levels and into medium- to long-term sectoral plans. Biodiversity impact assessment is required for major engineering projects. Corporate ESG and environmental information disclosure is to include biodiversity. Integration into the "ecological civilisation" governance framework provides a distinctive mainstreaming pathway.

Target 15: Business disclosure — Addressed

A dedicated priority action addresses business and biodiversity. Pilot biodiversity impact assessments are specified across six named sectors: food, energy and extractives, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, culture and tourism, and internet technology. Enterprise biodiversity information disclosure reporting frameworks are to be established. Biodiversity impact indices for key industry enterprises are to be developed. Biodiversity-friendly enterprise certification systems are specified.

Target 16: Sustainable consumption — Mentioned

The NBSAP calls for biodiversity-friendly consumption and lifestyles, refusing consumption of wild animals and their products, and reducing food waste and overconsumption. Green points mechanisms linked to carbon footprints are to be explored. No quantified food waste reduction target or consumption footprint metric is specified.

Target 17: Biosafety — Addressed

The Biosafety Law is in force. Environmental safety monitoring of GMOs is specified. Risk identification and assessment systems are to be constructed for gene editing and synthetic biology products using a full life cycle approach. Detection and rapid screening technologies are to be developed for emerging biotechnology products.

Target 18: Harmful subsidies — Mentioned

The NBSAP contains a single commitment: "Gradually reform and phase out policies and measures that are detrimental to biodiversity." No specific subsidies are identified, no timeline is set, and no quantification or measurement framework is provided.

Target 19: Finance mobilisation — Addressed

A dedicated priority action addresses investment and financing mechanisms. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund was established with 1.5 billion yuan RMB. Green bond integration, climate-biodiversity finance synergies, and market-based compensation mechanisms are specified. A National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Financing Plan is to be formulated. The NBSAP provides no domestic resource mobilisation target in currency or GDP terms (see Finance and Resource Mobilisation).

Target 20: Capacity and technology — Addressed

Scientific research and talent development cover taxonomy, conservation, assessment, and biosafety. AI, IoT, cloud computing, and remote sensing are named as modernisation tools. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund is to support developing country capacity building and technology transfer. The South-South Countries Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Cooperation Programme and the Belt and Road Initiative provide frameworks for international cooperation.

Target 21: Data and information — Addressed

The national biodiversity monitoring network is to be essentially completed by 2030. A smart monitoring and early warning system integrating space, air, and ground capabilities is specified. A national data integration and sharing system is to promote cross-departmental and cross-regional aggregation. The China Species Catalogue is to be updated annually. Regular surveys are to achieve full coverage of ecosystems, key species, and genetic resources in key regions.

Target 22: Inclusive participation — Mentioned

The NBSAP safeguards the rights of women, children, young people, and persons with disabilities to participate in biodiversity conservation. Citizen science and whole-of-society participation platforms are specified. The strategy does not use IPLC (indigenous peoples and local communities) terminology, does not reference free, prior, and informed consent, and does not address land tenure.

Target 23: Gender equality — Mentioned

Women are referenced once alongside children, young people, and persons with disabilities in a participation clause. No gender action plan, gender analysis, or gender-disaggregated indicators are specified.