Abstract:

Background & Aims: Biodiversity serves as a crucial foundation for human survival and the sustainable development of economic and social systems. Since energy development is often intertwined with ecological spaces, the impact of energy exploitation on biodiversity has been a significant concern. Particularly, the construction and operation of renewable energy projects must integrate biodiversity protection, an essential requirement for the green transformation of the energy sector. For Chinese energy enterprises, biodiversity conservation represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As key players in ecological civilization construction of China, these enterprises must explore and implement strategies to mainstream biodiversity protection. This paper outlines the international and domestic policies and regulations governing biodiversity conservation for energy companies, reviews experiences and practices from both domestic and international energy enterprises, analyzes current challenges and deficiencies facing Chinese energy enterprises, and proposes principles and pathways for effective implementation of biodiversity protection.

Results: China has established a distinctive system for biodiversity protection, consisting of laws, comprehensive policies, and specialized regulations. Energy companies implement biodiversity protection through several mechanisms, including environmental impact assessments, geological environmental safeguards at mining sites, land reclamation efforts, soil and water conservation, water resource evaluations, as well as recognition programs for green mining practices. Nevertheless, three main challenges persist for Chinese energy enterprises: a lack of awareness of biodiversity conservation principle, insufficient funding, and a shortage of qualified personnel. There is a pressing need to enhance capabilities related to biodiversity preservation along with improving transparency levels in reporting such efforts.

Suggestions & Perspectives: Energy enterprises should integrate considerations of biodiversity into their corporate governance and project development processes. A systematic approach towards valuing biodiversity should be established, ensuring that biodiversity is included in strategic decision-making processes. Tailored, multi-tiered conservation strategies must be implemented based on local conditions, and ongoing biodiversity monitoring and effectiveness evaluations should be conducted. Energy enterprises should also leverage high-level international platforms to amplify their global influence and refine biodiversity reporting practices. By adopting these pathways, Chinese energy companies can significantly elevate their contributions to global biodiversity governance, striving for harmonious coexistence between natural ecosystems and industrial activities.

Key words: energy industry, biodiversity conservation, Chinese enterprises, strategy