Updates and Challenges in China’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) for COP16 Conference

“China Prepares for COP16 Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia”

In just a few weeks, representatives from around the world will gather in Cali, Colombia, for the COP16 biodiversity conference. This conference follows the historic agreement reached at COP15 two years ago, known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aimed to halt and reverse global biodiversity loss.

One of the key initiatives under this framework is the 30×30 goal, which calls for countries to protect 30 percent of the world’s land, ocean, coastal areas, and inland waters by 2030. However, as the conference approaches, only 24 countries and the EU out of 196 parties have submitted their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

China, as the chair of COP15, has been proactive in submitting its updated NBSAP, which includes policy outlines for protection, restoration, pollution management, and combating the illegal wildlife trade. However, experts have pointed out areas where China’s plan falls short, particularly in terms of marine protection goals.

While China has established marine protected areas covering around 124,000 sq km, its goal to reach 150,000 sq km by 2030 still falls short of the 30×30 target. Experts have also highlighted the need for China to incorporate ecological conservation redline areas and other conservation measures to align with the Kunming-Montreal Framework.

Despite these challenges, China’s NBSAP has been praised for its structural consistency with the framework and its focus on coordinating biodiversity conservation efforts. The plan also addresses the need for green finance and encourages financial institutions to consider biodiversity concerns in their investment decisions.

Funding remains a challenge for biodiversity conservation globally, with the Kunming-Montreal Framework calling for increased funding to developing countries and the establishment of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund. China has pledged CNY 1.5 billion to this fund and is leading efforts to support biodiversity conservation in developing countries.

As the COP16 conference approaches, experts are hopeful that China will continue to play a leading role in international biodiversity efforts. The Kunming Fund is expected to invest in specific projects, and China’s experience in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Framework could serve as a reference for other countries.

Overall, the upcoming COP16 conference presents an opportunity for countries to come together and take concrete actions to protect biodiversity and achieve the goals set out in the Kunming-Montreal Framework.