Aim: The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by the 15th Meeting of Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity signifies another collective effort by the international community to tackle the ongoing biodiversity crisis. It also marks the beginning of China’s leadership in global environmental governance. The establishment of the national botanical garden system serves as an innovative practice to biodiversity conservation. This article aims to examine the potential of the national botanical garden system in facilitating the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Framework in China.

Method: Through an analysis of the Kunming-Montreal Framework’s long-term objectives and specific targets for the year 2030, this study identifies the essential inquiries and conservation actions that can be implemented by the national botanical garden system in China.

Results: This study outlines 26 research questions and 27 conservation actions that can be undertaken by the national botanical garden system. Furthermore, it highlights 7 priority actions that should be given immediate attention. These include conducting a thorough survey of plant species, examining the genetic diversity of nationally protected plants, implementing conservation strategies to mitigate plant extinctions in critical biodiversity areas, executing ecological restoration plans, conducting research on climate change adaptation, promoting education on conservation and sustainable development, and fostering international cooperation in biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion: The establishment of the national botanical garden system in China not only strengthens China’s capacity to implement the Kunming-Montreal Framework, but also provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate the innovative accomplishments of this system. The successful implementation of this initiative will serve as a benchmark and source of inspiration for other countries worldwide with significant biodiversity.