What is the state of biodiversity in China?

China, as one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, harbors an extensive array of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. China’s vast geographical expanse, spanning tropical, temperate, and boreal zones, supports a wide variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and marine environments. These diverse habitats are home to around 10% of the world’s plant species and 14% of its vertebrates. Despite its richness, China’s biodiversity is facing severe threats, primarily driven by human activities. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to extensive habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands have been converted to agricultural land or urban areas, resulting in the destruction of critical habitats for many species. 

Pollution is another significant threat to biodiversity in China. Industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban waste have severely polluted many of the country’s rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This pollution not only affects water quality but also leads to the loss of aquatic species and the degradation of freshwater ecosystems. The Yangtze River, for example, has seen a dramatic decline in fish populations due to overfishing, dam construction, and pollution. 

Climate change is exacerbating the challenges to biodiversity in China. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are altering habitats and affecting species distributions. For instance, the alpine ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau, home to unique species such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), are particularly vulnerable to climate change. As the climate warms, species are forced to migrate to higher altitudes, leading to increased competition for resources and potential loss of biodiversity. 

Overexploitation of biological resources is another major concern. Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging practices have led to the depletion of many species. The illegal wildlife trade, driven by demand for traditional medicine, exotic pets, and luxury goods, has further exacerbated the decline of many endangered species, including the pangolin and various turtle species. 

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity, the Chinese government has implemented a range of conservation policies and initiatives. One of the most significant is the establishment of a network of protected areas. As of 2023, China has designated over 11,800 nature reserves, covering approximately 18% of its land area. These protected areas are crucial for safeguarding habitats and species, although challenges remain in terms of effective management and enforcement. 

China has also launched several large-scale ecological restoration projects, such as the Grain for Green program, which aims to convert farmland on steep slopes back to forests and grasslands. This initiative has not only contributed to soil and water conservation but has also helped restore habitats for wildlife. The Yangtze River Economic Belt initiative is another example, focusing on reducing pollution, restoring ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development along the Yangtze River. 

In recent years, China has shown increased commitment to international biodiversity conservation efforts. The country hosted the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2021, where it played a key role in promoting the adoption of the Kunming Declaration, which emphasises the need for transformative change to halt biodiversity loss and calls for global cooperation to achieve the 2050 Vision of “Living in Harmony with Nature.”