Abstract:

Background & Aims: Global biodiversity hotspot cities are where urban development and biodiversity conservation come into conflict, playing a critical role in maintaining biodiversity balance both within and beyond their regions. However, there has been no dedicated study focusing on Chinese cities within global biodiversity hotspots. This research is based on Target 12 of the COP15 and Priority Action 18 of the China Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2030). This research examines the biodiversity conservation policies of 16 Chinese cities with populations exceeding one million (hereafter referred to as "hotspot cities") within global biodiversity hotspot regions. The analysis focuses on five key aspects: (1) biodiversity conservation planning and sustainable utilization plans, (2) urban biodiversity survey, monitoring, and assessment, (3) habitat restoration and ecological corridor construction, (4) the connection between urban residents and nature as well as their health and well-being, and (5) urban ecosystem functions and services. By comparing these conservation policies with international case cities, the study identifies existing challenges and proposes optimization directions to support biodiversity-friendly urban development while balancing ecological protection and high-quality urban growth. 

Review Results: The findings reveal that both Chinese and international hotspot cities face common challenges, including a lack of awareness of their unique ecological positioning, insufficient biodiversity-inclusive long-term urban planning, and a general scarcity of biodiversity monitoring data. Additionally, Chinese cities exhibit specific issues such as limited coverage and single-method approaches in urban biodiversity monitoring, insufficient attention to biodiversity-related public experiences and supporting infrastructure, and inadequate focus on the provision of urban ecosystem services. 

Optimization trends: Future enhancements to urban biodiversity conservation policies in these hotspot cities should prioritize the followings: (1) Prioritizing the development of spatial planning for biodiversity conservation; (2) Exploring the integrated application of multi-source data monitoring technologies; (3) Standardizing multi-dimensional approaches to urban biodiversity experiences; (4) Promoting synergistic enhancement of urban biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

Key words: global biodiversity hotspots, hotspot cities, biodiversity, conservation policies, optimization recommendations