Focus on Arts and Ecology

July 25, 2024 

In a white paper, the State Council Information Office has outlined China’s progress in marine law, pollution control, ecological restoration, low-carbon development, and other ocean-related topics.

Released this month, “China’s Marine Ecological Environment Protection” highlights the country’s designation of 150,000 sq km within marine “ecological redlines”. The country has also established 352 marine nature reserves, protecting approximately 93,300 sq km of marine areas, and is working on establishing five candidate marine national parks. The white paper states that this effort has aided the recovery of rare species such as the spotted seal, of which there are over 2,000 now wintering annually in Liaodong Bay.

Ecological redlines mark out areas deemed ecologically important and in need of protection. They include grasslands, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass ecosystems. The 150,000 sq km under marine redlines align with the targets in the “National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030)” submitted as part of China’s commitment to the UN biodiversity convention. As not all ecological redline areas are under effective protection, they may or may not contribute to the global goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030.

The white paper emphasises enhancing the level of green and low-carbon marine development. This includes more sustainable use of fishery resources, such as via extending the closed fishing seasons and expanding the scope of seasonal fishing bans. The paper also identifies marine ranching as a key area for growth. China has established 169 national marine ranching demonstration zones and is gradually shifting marine aquaculture from coastal to deep-sea areas, with the aim of promoting the conservation of fishery resources and greener aquaculture.

As well as ranching, green shipping and clean energy are key areas. Efforts are being made to use new energy in ports and ships, and to construct three green shipping corridors. The white paper mentions that by the end of 2023, China’s cumulative installed capacity of offshore wind power reached 38 gigawatts, accounting for about 50% of the global total, ranking first in the world for a fourth consecutive year.

The white paper concludes by stressing China's international cooperation in the marine sector, including restricting its fishers catches on certain parts of the high seas. Last September, China signed the High Seas Biodiversity Agreement (BBNJ). The paper notes that China has also signed intergovernmental and departmental marine cooperation agreements with over 50 countries and international organisations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The white paper does not mention progress on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, though previous documents have indicated that China recognises the important role of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) in combating IUU fishing and is considering signing it.

(Sources: Dialogue Earth)