Category: Nature NSW

Joyce (Yueh) Zhang, NPA Intern

What is China’s Ecological Redline?

China’s Ecological Conservation Redline (ECR) policy includes strict “No Go” zones where development is not allowed. ECR zones cover biodiversity hotspots, key water sources, fragile soils, coastal protection, and other areas critical for national ecological security. In simple words, a red line prioritises protection of what China believes is the most important places for human wellbeing. Official data reports about 3.19 million km² of redline areas nationwide (roughly around one-third of China’s land), with 18% of China’s land covered in fully protected areas.[1] ECR is a vastly different approach to Australia’s strategy of following the Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) model, in that it that its primary objective is not conservation, but rather ecological security and sustainable development.[2] The protection of biodiversity is a secondary benefit. Protected areas, including Nature Reserves and National Parks, are still a central pillar of China’s conservation agenda but ECR also includes unique zoning, such as Ecological Function Zones (for critical ecosystem services like water supply). Together with national biodiversity plans, China presents ECR as its model to meet the global 30×30 goal.[3]

Read More “China’s Redline Approach: Can Ecological Redlines provide a pathway to 30 by 30 in NSW?”