Transforming biodiversity policies is critical to global biodiversity conservation evidence from China Qing Wang; Hong Liu

Abstract

Since signing the Convention on Biological Diversity, China has formulated and introduced a substantial amount of biodiversity policies, aiming to achieve the global biodiversity conservation targets. However, there is insufficient understanding of the effectiveness of these policies in achieving biodiversity conservation outcomes. We reviewed 124 biodiversity policies (1994-2021) and developed a content analysis in terms of policy intensity, policy tools, and policy targets. The results show that: (1) China has gradually strengthened the protection of biodiversity. However, legal means, which are fundamental safeguards for biodiversity conservation efforts, have not received sufficient attention; (2) In terms of policy tools, environmental poli - cies seem to be favored by China, but these policies cannot directly influence conservation actions; (3) The Chinese government used to pay more attention to the achievement of indirect targets. Now, the government is increasingly focusing on demonstrating the determination and efforts of a responsible power by enhancing the planning of direct targets and long-term targets. As the post-2020 global biodiversity framework evolves, China, as a major biodiversity country, must immediately improve the structure of conservation policy devel - opment and work to increase the positive impact of domestic policies on achieving global biodiversity con - servation targets.