China’s Efforts in Marine Biodiversity Conservation: Recent Developments in Policy and Institutional Reform

Abstract

Marine biodiversity is essential for providing material foundations for sustainable social development and maintaining balance in the ecosystems of the earth. However, in recent years, marine biodiversity has been threatened by the combined effects of human activities and climate change, and has deteriorated at both domestic and international levels. Effective marine biodiversity conservation is dependent upon a comprehensive policy and legislation framework and scientific conservation measures. As a responsible developing country, China has made great efforts to protect marine biodiversity. This article provides an overview of recent policy and institutional developments in China with respect to marine biodiversity conservation. These current developments indicate that China’s marine biodiversity conservation strategy is increasingly holistic and unified, and emphasises integrated management of the sea.