Abstract:

Background & Aims: In response to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023‒2030) (China’s NBSAP) was released in January 2024, aiming to guide the overall layout of biodiversity conservation in China and provide guidance for local efforts in biodiversity conservation. The release of China’s NBSAP has spurred the formulation and update of a new round of local biodiversity strategies and action plans (LBSAPs). This paper collects and summarizes the new round of LBSAPs released by 17 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in China after the release of China’s NBSAP. The response of LBSAPs to China’s NBSAP was analyzed from three aspects: protection goals, priority actions, and guarantee mechanisms. The compatibility between local biodiversity governance and national actions was sorted out. The differences and influencing factors in target setting among different regions and provinces in China were studied. The bottlenecks in multi-level governance were revealed and the optimization paths were proposed. 

Results: The provincial LBSAPs are closely aligned with the goals, action directions and guarantee mechanisms of China’s NBSAP. Based on the framework of the China’s NBSAP, each province has proposed local goals, actions, and guarantee measures in accordance with local conditions. The characteristics of biodiversity governance show regional differences. However, most local biodiversity protection efforts still face difficulties such as unclear target paths, poor departmental coordination, insufficient funds, weak technological capabilities and insufficient public participation. 

Recommendations: The state should promote and guide localities to scientifically formulate and implement LBSAPs, and local governments urgently need to strengthen overall coordination, optimize fund allocation, enhance scientific and technological capabilities, and promote the collaborative efforts of the central and local governments in biodiversity governance to help achieve the goals of China’s NBSAP.

Key words: biodiversity, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, local biodiversity strategy and action plan, response, local implementation pathways, governance