Biodiversity plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, providing essential services such as food, water, and climate regulation. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment by the United Nations in 2005 highlighted the intricate connections between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Threatened Species, over 44,000 species face the risk of extinction. This includes 70% of cycads, 41% of amphibians, and 37% of sharks and rays, among others. The primary threats to biodiversity are habitat destruction, over-harvesting, pollution, and invasive species.
China, one of the world's most biodiverse countries, faces significant challenges as it continues to grow economically. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to habitat fragmentation and degradation. Between 2003 and 2013, China lost approximately 9% of its natural wetlands, severely impacting biodiversity.
In response, China has taken substantial steps to protect its rich biodiversity. In 2023, an updated version of the Red List for Biodiversity in Kunming revealed that 10.39% of higher plant species and 22.02% of vertebrate species are threatened. Despite the ongoing decline, China has implemented a network of protected areas covering about 18% of its land, established numerous wetland nature reserves, and designated multiple Ramsar sites of international importance.
The Chinese Government has also enacted robust laws, such as the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Wildlife 2022 and the Environmental Protection Law, to provide legal frameworks for conservation. Ecological restoration programs like the \"Great Green Wall\" aim to restore forests and combat desertification, while initiatives like \"Grain for Green\" work to restore wetlands and grasslands.
China's dedication to preserving biodiversity not only benefits its own ecosystems but also contributes significantly to global environmental sustainability and human well-being.
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China's conservation commitment for biodiversity and human well-being
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