Speakers:
Zhao Yingmin, vice minister of ecology and environment
Zhang Zhanhai, chief engineer and spokesperson of the Ministry of Natural Resources
Li Chunliang, deputy administrator of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration
Chairperson:
Chen Wenjun, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
Oct. 8, 2021
Chen Wenjun:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference being held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). The SCIO is holding this press conference today to issue, introduce and interpret a new white paper titled "Biodiversity Conservation in China."
This is the first white paper on biodiversity conservation issued by the Chinese government. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, the white paper introduces the policy ideas, important measures and progress of biodiversity conservation in China, as well as China's initiatives in practicing multilateralism and deepening global biodiversity cooperation, and its contributions to the world.
At about 14,000 Chinese characters, the white paper consists of three parts: preface, main body and conclusion. Among them, the main body includes four parts: Harmony Between Humanity and Nature, Increasing the Efficiency of Biodiversity Conservation, Improving Biodiversity Governance, and Further Global Cooperation on Biodiversity Conservation. The paper is published in eight languages: Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese. These versions have been published by the People's Publishing House and Foreign Languages Press respectively, and will be distributed in Xinhua bookstores across the country.
In order to help everyone accurately and deeply understand the content of the white paper, we have invited Mr. Zhao Yingmin, vice minister of ecology and environment; Mr. Zhang Zhanhai, chief engineer and spokesperson of the Ministry of Natural Resources; and Mr. Li Chunliang, deputy administrator of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, to attend today's press conference. They will introduce relevant information and answer your questions.
Now, I will give the floor to Mr. Zhao Yingmin, vice minister of ecology and environment.
Zhao Yingmin:
Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. I am very glad to have the opportunity to introduce to you the newly released white paper "Biodiversity Conservation in China." I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you, friends from the media, for your long-term care and support for China's biodiversity conservation work.
Biodiversity provides humanity with rich and diverse production and life necessities, a healthy and safe ecological environment, and unique natural landscape culture. It is a significant foundation for the survival and development of mankind, and is related to the well-being of mankind. We once had a slogan for the International Year of Biodiversity: "Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is our life." This sentence vividly illustrates the relationship between us and biodiversity, and the importance of conserving biodiversity.
With population growth and expansion of human economic activities, global biodiversity is facing serious threats. According to a global assessment report released by the United Nations in May 2019, human activities have altered 75% of terrestrial environment and 66% of marine environment, and a quarter of the world's species are at threat of extinction. On Sept. 18, 2020, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity launched the fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-5). The report stated that despite the progress in many areas of biodiversity conservation, nature is still suffering heavy blows, and the global biodiversity situation is still deteriorating.
China has a vast territory, in terms of both land and seas. Its geomorphology and climate are complex and diverse, nurturing a rich and unique ecosystem, and species and genetic diversity. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. China's traditional culture has accumulated abundant wisdom in the protection and utilization of biodiversity. As one of the first parties to sign and ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity, China has always attached great importance to biodiversity conservation, and continuously promoted the conservation of biodiversity with creative and up-to-date measures. It has achieved remarkable progress on a distinctively Chinese path of biodiversity conservation. The white paper "Biodiversity Conservation in China" comprehensively summarizes that, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and with the goal of building a Beautiful China, the country actively adapts to the new situation and new requirements, and has been continuously improving the measures for biodiversity conservation and making innovative ways in this regard. It systematically expounds, from four aspects, on the ideas, actions and effects of China's biodiversity conservation that aims to promote harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, between individuals, and between individuals and society, and create a virtuous circle for all-round development and sustained prosperity for all.
The 15th meeting of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-15) will be held soon. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has also entered its "Decade of Action" to achieve global goals. At the same time, China has built a moderately prosperous society in all respects and embarked on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects. The international community is standing at the historic juncture of protecting biodiversity and realizing global sustainable development. At this time, it is of important practical significance to release the white paper "Biodiversity Conservation in China" and introduce China's ideas, plans and actions in the field of biodiversity conservation to the international community. It aims to enhance the international community's understanding of China's biodiversity conservation, and contribute Chinese wisdom to global biodiversity conservation.
Looking back on the past and forward to the future, the international community must work together in biodiversity conservation. China will continue to increase its biodiversity conservation efforts and actively participate in global biodiversity governance. China will work with the international community to discuss new strategies for global biodiversity governance, and embark on a new course of the post-2020 global biodiversity governance that is more just and reasonable, and where each will do their best.
That's all for my introduction. Next, the three of us will answer your questions.
Thank you.
Chen Wenjun:
The floor is now open for questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising questions.
