May 22 marked the International Day for Biological Diversity, themed “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.” This theme underscores the importance of balancing human needs with environmental conservation, promoting development that safeguards our planet.
China is actively promoting biodiversity conservation across society to achieve harmony with nature, according to Huang Runqiu, the Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment (MEE). Data from the MEE shows that in recent years, China has led the way by establishing an ecological protection redline system, which now accounts for more than 30 percent of the country’s total land area.
Remarkably, 90 percent of China’s terrestrial ecosystem types and 74 percent of key protected wild animal and plant species populations are now effectively safeguarded. This demonstrates significant progress in preserving biodiversity.
By 2024, China’s forest coverage reached 25 percent, showcasing notable achievements in ecological restoration and carbon sequestration. In water management, 90.4 percent of the country’s surface water met or exceeded Grade III quality standards by 2024, surpassing the 85-percent target. These results reflect successful efforts in environmental management and a strong commitment to sustainable development.
