HomecentralChina's National Park Reforms Boost Biodiversity Gains

China's National Park Reforms Boost Biodiversity Gains

Published on Aug 01, 2025

Highlights

China's national park reforms have improved biodiversity, boosting Giant Panda numbers from 1,100 to nearly 1,900 since the 1980s.

Loading...

China's national park reforms have made significant progress in enhancing biodiversity, particularly noted by the remarkable increase in Giant Panda populations, which have grown from approximately 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 today.

As part of a decade-long national park reform initiative, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration has reported notable advancements in restoring key wildlife populations and promoting ecological stability across the country.

At a recent press conference, Sun Hongyan, an official with the administration, elaborated on the evolution of the national park system, which has transitioned from a focus on single-element conservation to a more integrated approach addressing the management of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts.

Sun emphasized that establishing an effective national park system is a complex and multifaceted endeavor. The reforms include restructuring the management frameworks for nature reserves as well as innovating policies regarding natural resource management, land use, ecological compensation, and community development.

The administration highlighted that wildlife populations have rebounded across various national parks, reflecting the positive impacts of these management strategies.

A prime example of this recovery can be seen in the Giant Panda National Park, where the reconnection of fragmented habitats has facilitated a rise in the wild panda population.

Additionally, in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the restoration of migration corridors has contributed to an increase in the populations of the Amur tiger and leopard, with numbers reaching approximately 70 and 80, respectively.

In the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, efforts to restore the rainforest ecosystem have resulted in a gradual increase in the critically endangered Hainan gibbon population, which has risen from 35 to 42, marking it as the only gibbon species globally demonstrating consistent growth.

Looking ahead, Sun indicated that relevant authorities will enhance systematic governance, implement optimization plans for nature reserves and spatial layouts for national parks, and cautiously approach the establishment of new parks.

He also mentioned the initiation of major projects aimed at integrated ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation as crucial next steps in these efforts.

Cover: A view of the Qilian Mountains, Minle County, Gansu Province, northwest China, June 19, 2025.

Share:imageimage
3 Likes

Read These Next

Loading...
Lushan: A Journey Through History

Lushan: A Journey Through History

Aug 01, 2025

This critical commentary highlights the reopening of the Lushan Anti-Japanese War Museum. It explores the blend of cultural significance and scenic beauty, emphasizing the museum's role in educating visitors about China's historical struggle during World War II.

Read More