Read in Chinese
Speakers:
Mr. Sun Shuxian, vice minister of natural resources and administrator of the State Oceanic Administration
Ms. Guo Fang, vice minister of ecology and environment
Chairperson:
Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
July 11, 2024
Xing Huina:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO).
Today, we are releasing the white paper "Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China," and holding this press conference to introduce and interpret its main content.
The white paper, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, systematically introduces China's policy concepts for creating a marine eco-environment for harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean. It comprehensively outlines the key measures China has taken in coordinating marine eco-environmental protection, systematic governance of the marine eco-environment, and advancing green and low-carbon maritime development. It also showcases China's extensive international cooperation efforts in marine eco-environmental protection and its contributions to building a maritime community of shared future. The paper calls on all countries to jointly protect the marine eco-environment and promote sustainable development for a cleaner and more beautiful world.
The white paper consists of a preface, main text and conclusion, totaling around 27,000 Chinese characters. The main text includes seven sections: I. Improving Marine Eco-Environment for Harmonious Coexistence Between Humans and the Ocean; II. Coordinating Marine Eco-Environmental Protection; III. Systematic Governance of the Marine Eco-Environment; IV. Science-Based Conservation and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems; V. Strengthening Supervision and Administration of the Marine Eco-Environment; VI. Advancing China's Green and Low-Carbon Maritime Development; VII. Carrying Out All-Round International Cooperation on Marine Eco-Environmental Protection.
The white paper is published in eight languages — Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese — by the People's Publishing House and the Foreign Languages Press, and is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country.
To help you better understand the content of the white paper, we have invited Mr. Sun Shuxian, vice minister of natural resources and administrator of the State Oceanic Administration, and Ms. Guo Fang, vice minister of ecology and environment, to introduce relevant information and answer your questions.
First, I will give the floor to Mr. Sun for his introduction.
Sun Shuxian:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It is a pleasure to witness the release of the white paper "Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China" with you today. First, I would like to thank you for your interest in and support for marine eco-environmental protection.
The white paper presents a full picture of China's ideas, actions and achievements in marine eco-environmental protection. We hope it will help people from all walks of life and the international community obtain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China's marine eco-environmental protection efforts, further strengthening communication and cooperation.
The ocean is a treasure trove of natural resources and a strategic area for high-quality development. Today, global marine security, development and governance face a series of prominent challenges. China has always actively promoted the global marine governance process and is a firm advocate for and active participant in marine eco-environmental protection.
General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to "care for the ocean as dearly as we treasure our lives." Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has launched a series of campaigns of fundamental, pioneering and long-term significance, achieving historic transformations and significant progress. These efforts have resulted in a series of landmark accomplishments and have charted a unique path of harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean, reflecting Chinese characteristics.
First, the concept of marine eco-environmental protection has innovatively evolved while maintaining fundamental principles. We have prioritized eco-environmental conservation, deepened our understanding of marine natural laws and included eco-environmental progress in the overall plan for marine development. We adhere to a coordinated approach that includes both land and sea, river and sea linkage, and systematic governance, transitioning from single-element to holistic strategies, and from "end-of-pipe treatment" to "whole-chain management." We emphasize technology-driven, multi-partner governance, public participation and win-win cooperation, enhancing comprehensive governance capabilities from multiple perspectives. This has produced exemplary cases of building a Beautiful China and harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean, such as the "Xiamen Approach," vividly demonstrating the implementation of China's eco-civilization philosophy.
Second, China has made progress in protecting its marine eco-environment through continuous exploration. China was the first country to propose and enforce red lines for ecological conservation. It has made efforts to improve the marine protected areas system and implement major marine eco-environmental conservation and restoration projects. By doing this, the country has significantly improved the marine ecosystem in terms of diversity, stability and sustainability. Moreover, China has ensured that its management of sea areas has transitioned from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional approach. Rapid progress has been made in technologies for developing and harnessing marine renewable power, and China's ability to use marine resources economically and intensively has been improved. Furthermore, China has improved its legal and institutional frameworks. We have used land, sea, air and space in monitoring and supervision to strengthen the country's marine ecosystem early warning and monitoring capabilities, improving our capacity to prevent and mitigate marine disasters. These efforts have built a strong security shield for the marine ecology.
Third, China has reached a consensus with countries worldwide on marine eco-environmental protection. Since 2012, China has submitted over 800 proposals to international organizations, actively engaging in formulating international rules and regulations for environmental protection and resource conservation. The country has signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries and international organizations, enhancing synergy with major cooperation initiatives such as the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the U.N.'s Ocean Decade. Moreover, Blue Partnership cooperation has become more dynamic. China has provided extensive foreign assistance and training, contributing insights and strengths to tackle global challenges to the marine eco-environment.
My friends, the blue planet where we live is the shared home of all humanity, and mankind rise and fall together in a community with a shared future. China stands ready to work hand in hand with the international community to lay the foundation for a marine eco-civilization and pursue the green development of our oceans.
That's all I have for now. Thank you.
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Xing Huina:
Thank you, Mr. Sun. Now, let's invite Ms. Guo to give us an introduction.
Guo Fang:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning! It is my great pleasure to be here with you today. On behalf of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our friends from various walks of life. Your long-standing concern and support for China's efforts in protecting the marine eco-environment have been truly appreciated.
As Mr. Sun mentioned, General Secretary Xi Jinping has shown the utmost support and placed high hopes on the building of a marine eco-civilization and the protection of the marine eco-environment. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has made unprecedented transformations in marine eco-environmental protection. Our main efforts have been focused on the following four areas:
We have adopted a systemic approach and deepened the reform of land-sea coordinated institutions and mechanisms. China is working on a protection and governance framework that ranges from mountain tops to the ocean, and the reform of marine management and governance has been steadily advancing. In the 2018 reform of State Council institutions, the responsibilities of marine environmental protection were incorporated into those of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Additionally, supervisory agencies were established to monitor the marine eco-environment in three river basins and sea areas. By taking these steps, we have prioritized both ecology and environment and integrated the management of land and marine resources. As a result, a comprehensive governance system featuring land-sea coordination and river-sea connectivity has taken shape. This system facilitates coordination among different departments and improves cooperation among various regions.
We have put people first and made remarkable achievements in the efforts to build beautiful bays. China is committed to pursuing environmental benefits for the public and has designed and implemented the 14th Five-Year Plan for Marine Ecological and Environmental Protection and the Optimized Action Plan for Building Beautiful Bays. Our focus is on key programs, such as building over 110 beautiful bays and intensifying our endeavors to clean up marine waste at 65 bays, promoting the recycling of marine plastic waste.
Today, I have also brought a small item for all my journalist friends. This beautiful scarf is actually made from three recycled plastic bottles, which were collected during a volunteer beach cleanup activity in Nansha district, Guangzhou city. We are working diligently to transform all 283 bays nationwide into beautiful ones by 2035. Our goal is to materialize the amazing view depicted in the picture: clear seawater, clean beaches, desirable habitats for fish and seabirds, and harmony between humans and the sea.
We have made efforts to address key points and problems, resulting in the continuous improvement of the eco-environment in coastal waters. China has prioritized key sea areas located at strategic convergence points along its coast, such as the Bohai Sea, the Yangtze River Estuary-Hangzhou Bay, and the Pearl River Estuary. By adopting targeted governance policies, China has made remarkable achievements in improving eco-environment quality in these regions. Statistics show that in 2023, 85% of the coastal waters had good to excellent water quality, an increase of 13.7 percentage points from 2018. This improvement has been consistent for six consecutive years. Moreover, since 2021, 24 typical marine ecosystems have shed their "unhealthy" status.
We are committed to governing the sea according to the law, continuously strengthening the supervision and enforcement of marine ecological protection. China protects its waters with the strictest systems and the most stringent legal measures. The Marine Environment Protection Law has been amended three times and revised once. We have also formulated and revised seven administrative regulations and over 10 departmental rules, creating a solid legal framework. We always adhere to strict supervision and law enforcement, investigating more than 53,000 sewage outlets to the sea and rectifying over 16,000. We continuously conduct special supervision and law enforcement actions like the "Green Shield" and "Blue Sea" initiatives. We have implemented three rounds of central government environmental protection inspections, identifying and addressing more than 200 prominent marine-related issues.
After persistent efforts, everyone can feel that the seawater has become clearer in recent years, the beaches are cleaner, seabird populations have increased, and the coastal wetlands are more beautiful. The continuous improvement of the marine ecological environment is a vivid portrayal and powerful proof of the historic, pivotal and all-encompassing changes in China's ecological and environmental protection. Next, we will continue to promote the comprehensive management of key marine areas, fully advance the development of beautiful bays, and consistently meet the public's desire to enjoy and connect with the sea.
As the poem says, "True friendship knows no boundaries; even those thousands of miles apart can be close neighbors." With this in mind, I sincerely invite friends from home and abroad to visit China's various coastal regions. Come and experience firsthand the excellent environment, beautiful ecology, and effective governance of China's bays. We are also eager to exchange ideas with other nations, learn from each other, and cooperate pragmatically to jointly promote the development of a maritime community with a shared future and to keep our blue planet perpetually pristine.
That's all I have to share for now. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Thank you, Mr. Guo, for the introduction. We will now proceed to the Q&A session. Members of the media are welcome to ask questions. Please identify your news organization before asking your questions.
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CNR:
We know that China hosts a variety of typical marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. Could you please elaborate on the measures implemented in recent years to protect and restore typical marine ecosystems? Going forward, how do you intend to consolidate the existing protection achievements? Thank you.
Sun Shuxian:
Thank you for your question. Marine ecosystems provide various essential ecological services that support our survival, economic productivity and quality of life. In recent years, the Ministry of Natural Resources has adhered to the principles of respecting, complying with, and protecting nature. We have vigorously protected and restored typical marine ecosystems, striving to enhance their diversity, stability and sustainability. Our main efforts have been focused on the following areas:
Regarding current status surveys, in 2020, we completed nationwide surveys of typical ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal salt marshes. We have essentially grasped the distribution and ecological conditions of various typical ecosystems and identified prominent ecological issues and the main threats and risks they face.
In terms of early warning and monitoring, we conduct regular ecological early warning and monitoring for key areas and issue early warning products. These efforts provide a fundamental basis for marine ecological protection and restoration.
In terms of ecological assessment, we regularly evaluate the conditions of typical ecosystems. Some of you might have noticed that in June this year, we issued the first "China Marine Ecological Early Warning and Monitoring Bulletin." The monitoring results showed that the overall conditions of ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, coastal salt marshes, and mangroves are predominantly good to excellent.
Regarding ecosystem protection, we've included most typical marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds, within our ecological protection red lines, where strict protection measures are implemented. Additionally, human activities that do not meet management requirements and severely impact the structure and function of these ecosystems are gradually being phased out.
In terms of ecosystem restoration, we have actively mobilized both central and local financial resources to protect and restore degraded and damaged typical marine ecosystems. Our goal is to restore these ecosystems and their service functions.
Going forward, we will take multiple measures to continuously strengthen the protection and restoration of typical ecosystems. First, we will stay attuned to dynamic changes, continuously enhance our surveys and assessments of the status quo of typical marine ecosystems, and gradually improve our systems for continuous observation, monitoring, and early warning. Second, we will strengthen our protection management strategies, strictly enforcing the ecological protection red line system, integrating land and spatial planning with regular check-ups and assessments every five years, promptly identifying and incorporating other typical ecosystem distribution areas, and enhancing oversight and control of marine and island development projects that may impact typical ecosystems. Third, we will implement scientifically based protection and restoration measures. We'll improve our approach through category-based policies, enhance our scientific and technological support capabilities, and strengthen our complete process, including tracking, monitoring, effect evaluation, and post-restoration management, to ensure the effectiveness of our restoration efforts. Additionally, we will actively explore and promote the realization of the value of ecological products, pilot the valuation of ecological products, encourage social capital to participate in the protection and restoration of typical marine ecosystems, and foster a social atmosphere of joint development and shared benefits. Thank you!
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China News Service:
The white paper introduces the legal framework of China's marine eco-environmental protection. I would like to ask, what work has China done in this regard? How can the marine eco-environment be protected through the rule of law? Thank you.
Guo Fang:
Thank you for your questions. A sound ecological environment must rely on the rule of law. We often say that we control pollution in a targeted, law-based and science-driven approach, with the legal framework for pollution control being the core concept in China's eco-environmental protection. This means we should rigorously carry out supervision following the laws and regulations, and protect the ocean with the strictest system and the strictest rule of law. I would like to answer your questions from two aspects: legislation and enforcement.
First, in terms of legislation, China has formulated a comprehensive law on marine eco-environmental protection, namely, the Marine Environmental Protection Law. Since 2012, it has been amended three times and revised once. In particular, the Marine Environmental Protection Law was revised last year to 124 articles in nine chapters from 97 articles in 10 chapters, with 27 articles added, while only eight articles were not revised. There have been many institutional innovations and practical measures. For example, land and sea planning is regarded as a principle of marine eco-environmental protection, with detailed provisions focusing on marine garbage management, supervision of sea-entering sewage discharge outlets, and the prevention and control of polluted river water entering the sea, while the scope, intensity, methods and procedures of punishments were expanded.
The Wetlands Protection Law, the Fisheries Law, and the Coast Guard Law respectively make specific provisions on the protection of coastal wetlands, marine fishery resources as well as marine environmental law enforcement.
Besides the national level, local governments in coastal areas are also actively making laws. For example, Hainan province introduced regulations for the protection of coral reefs and giant clams, and Xiamen issued regulations on the protection of the Chinese white dolphin population and their habitat. The effects have been obvious: the Chinese white dolphin population has increased from 60 in the early 1990s to nearly 80 now. It is said that citizens in Xiamen's downtown can see the Chinese white dolphin.
Concerning law enforcement, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the China Coast Guard and other departments have established a mechanism for supervision and law enforcement to jointly carry out special law enforcement actions such as "Green Shield" and "Emerald Sea" based on routine patrols and law enforcement. From 2020 to 2022, China conducted more than 19,000 inspections on marine engineering projects, drilling platforms, islands and ocean dumping sites, handled over 360 cases of illegal activities involving land reclamation from the sea, ocean dumping and island eco-environmental damage. Severe punishments have been imposed for violations and crimes in key areas of marine eco-environmental protection.
Next, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will continue to cooperate with legislative agencies in compiling the Ecological Environment Code, improve the legal framework for the marine eco-environment, and protect the marine eco-environment under the rule of law. Thank you.
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Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:
In recent years, China has continued to promote the construction of beautiful bays. What progress has been made so far? In this process, how have local governments adapted measures according to local conditions to better realize "bay-specific policies" and "respecting the distinctive beauty of bays"? What are your plans for the future? Thank you.
Guo Fang:
Thank you for your questions. I have just introduced the achievements of building beautiful bays. The building of beautiful bays is a priority in marine eco-environmental protection. Our work is progressing smoothly and has produced clear effects. We have mainly focused on three areas: first, is the top-level design of the "three five-year plans;" second, is the comprehensive governance of "bay-specific policies;" and third, is the leading role of innovation at the grassroots level.
First, the top-level design of the "three five-year plans." As we all know, the goal of environmental protection cannot be achieved overnight and requires long-term efforts. Starting with the 14th Five-Year Plan for Marine Ecological and Environmental Protection, we have adhered to the "three five-year plans" and strived to accomplish the building of 283 beautiful bays across China by 2035. At present, 11 coastal provinces (or autonomous regions or municipalities directly under the central government) have formulated provincial construction plans and implementation plans for 130 bays, drawing up layout plans and implementation systems for comprehensively promoting the construction of beautiful bays from the central to local governments.
Second, we have adopted comprehensive governance with bay-specific policies. Every bay construction project must address common issues such as nearshore pollution control, eco-environmental conservation and restoration, and environmental rectification of shores and beaches. These are topics the media also pays close attention to. However, we're mindful of potential homogenization during construction. To prevent this, we have adopted tailored policies for each bay, fostering unique strengths and characteristics based on natural endowments and local conditions. By the end of 2023, we had completed half of the 1,682 specific tasks set for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. Nearly two-thirds are now completed, and the rest are in progress. In 2023, 167 out of 283 bays nationwide had over 85% of their seawater areas rated as excellent. Flagship species like Bryde's whales, Chinese white dolphins, and black-faced spoonbills frequently appear in multiple bays. These bay-specific policies have led to diverse beauty. Let me share some impressive examples. Zhangbei Bay in Rizhao, Shandong province, has built a 28-kilometer-long coastal greenway. Meanwhile, Beihai in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has restored 3.3 kilometers of beach, creating a beautiful silver landscape stretching for over three miles. You can try to find time to visit these places with your children during the summer vocation.
Third, we strongly encourage examples of innovation at the primary level, particularly in institutional, mechanism, and technological aspects. By selecting outstanding cases of beautiful bay construction, we have formed a series of excellent practices to be replicated in other parts of China. For example, Shenzhen's Dapeng Bay is home to over a dozen active green marine non-profit organizations that conduct coastline protection initiatives spanning tens of kilometers, inspiring the public to become participants and supervisors in beautiful bay construction. Tangshan Bay in Hebei province utilizes shellfish-algae reef ecosystem reconstruction technology, restoring 4,000 mu of seabed into a vibrant underwater landscape with oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and abundant marine life.
The Recommendations on Advancing the Beautiful China Initiative on All Fronts, issued by the Party Central Committee and the State Council at the end of last year, puts forward clear requirements and specific arrangements for building beautiful bays. Moving forward, we will earnestly implement these requirements. We will leverage continuously improved top-level design and increasingly effective primary-level practices to reinforce each other. This approach will drive the high-quality building of beautiful bays more effectively. Thank you!
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Shenzhen TV Zhi News:
We understand that coastal areas, due to industrial agglomeration and high resource demands, often face significant pressures related to eco-environmental protection. This has, to some extent, constrained the economic and social development of these areas. Therefore, what efforts have been made in recent years to balance resource development with ecological protection, and to promote the development of the marine economy in coastal regions? Thank you.
Sun Shuxian:
Thank you for your question. The development of the marine economy in coastal areas has been a topic of great concern in recent years. The MNR has adhered to the principle of balancing development and protection, actively supporting high-quality marine development through high-level protection. Our main efforts have been focused on the following aspects:
In terms of optimizing the spatial development and protection pattern of the ocean, we have implemented the marine-related requirements of the Outline of the National Territorial Space Plan (2021-2035) issued by the Party Central Committee and the State Council. We have formulated spatial plans for coastal zones and nearshore waters, drawn red lines for marine eco-conservation, defined marine ecological space and areas for development and utilization, and comprehensively optimized distribution arrangements for key marine utilization activities.
To strengthen the protection of marine resources, we have issued the Notice on Further Improving the Protection of Land and Sea Resources. This notice simplifies and optimizes the requirements and procedures for demonstrating sea area use in relevant projects. We have also implemented strict controls for new land reclamation and island utilization projects.
To promote efficient and intensive use of marine resources, we have steadily advanced a multi-rights system for sea areas, shifting from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional management approach. We've begun exploring legal ways to grant transfer, mortgage, and lease rights for uninhabited islands, gradually expanding the role of market-based allocation in the marine sector.
We've strengthened green and low-carbon technological innovation to promote the marine industry's transformation. We have intensified technological research and development in areas such as seawater desalination, ocean energy development, marine biological resource utilization, and marine engineering equipment. These efforts are injecting new momentum into and shaping new advantages for the high-quality development of the marine industry.
Currently, China has achieved remarkable progress in marine industry development and marine ecological protection. Just now, Ms. Guo provided a comprehensive overview of the continuous optimization of the eco-environment. In terms of marine economic development, in 2023, China's marine economy GDP reached 9.9097 trillion yuan, increasing by 6% year on year, with a growth rate 0.8 percentage point higher than that of the national GDP. The marine economy is experiencing a strong recovery, improving in terms of both quantity and quality, and has become a new engine for national economic growth. Thank you.
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Global Times:
My main interest is the issue of inland sea ecological management, as this is considered a global challenge. The Bohai Sea is China's only inland sea. As such, could you provide an overview of the ecological governance efforts in the Bohai Sea in recent years? What exemplary measures have we taken that could serve as models for other countries and regions worldwide? Thank you.
Guo Fang:
Thank you for your questions, and for your interest in the governance of the Bohai Sea. As you mentioned, inland seas extend deep into the continent and are only connected to the open ocean by straits, often resulting in small sea areas, slow water exchange rates, poor marine environmental capacity and significant human activity. These characteristics make inland seas a challenge for marine environmental governance. There are many international examples, such as the Chesapeake Bay in the United States, the Baltic Sea in Europe and the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, all of which have through years of management practices. The Bohai Sea is China's only semi-enclosed inland sea and has experienced ecological difficulties such as nearshore water quality deterioration, ecological degradation, resource depletion and frequent disasters. China attaches great importance to the governance of the Bohai Sea and has been continuously working on it. Particularly since 2018, we have carried out two rounds of key comprehensive governance campaigns, achieving significant results. In 2023, the proportion of nearshore areas in the Bohai Sea with good to excellent water quality reached 83.5%, an increase of 18.1 percentage points compared to 2018, exceeding our average growth rate.
In the practice of governing the Bohai Sea, China has explored and developed a comprehensive inland sea ecological governance model that integrates land and sea management, with three key elements.
First is coordinated land-sea management. The pollution in the Bohai Sea is mainly due to an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. While the problem seems to be in the sea, its roots are on land. In recent years, improvements to the Bohai Sea's water quality have been achieved by controlling the two "pathways" of seagoing rivers and sea-entering discharge outlets. We have implemented a comprehensive approach to control total nitrogen in seagoing rivers and conducted meticulous work on inspecting, measuring, tracing and managing sea-entering sewage discharge outlets. We have established a mechanism to control land-sea pollution encompassing "river basin-estuary-nearshore sea areas." I can report to you today that the water quality of the Bohai Sea continues to improve.
The second key is pollution reduction and capacity expansion. Pollution reduction is relatively straightforward; it involves reducing the discharge of pollutants into the sea through measures such as cutting total nitrogen emissions from seagoing rivers and rectifying sea-entering sewage discharge outlets. Capacity expansion, as Mr. Sun mentioned, involves enhancing the marine environment's capacity through the protection and restoration of coastal wetlands and ecological shorelines. For example, the restoration of coastal salt marshes and seagrass beds in the Yellow River and Luan River estuaries has effectively enhanced the region's capacity to accommodate and degrade pollutants. By simultaneously addressing pollution control and ecological restoration, we have effectively promoted the improvement of the Bohai Sea's marine ecological environment.
The third key is regional coordination. Managing the Bohai Sea involves multiple departments and regions. In the governance process, China's institutional advantages have been fully demonstrated, with all resources and forces being mobilized effectively. We have established a coordination and collaboration mechanism with clear responsibilities and divisions of labor, promoting joint efforts. We have improved the collaborative governance and consultation notification mechanisms for nearshore waters and strengthened the joint prevention and control mechanisms for the upstream and downstream of seagoing rivers, ensuring the implementation of various governance tasks. The results of the Bohai Sea governance are the outcome of collaborative efforts.
These three key elements of the comprehensive governance of the Bohai Sea have become a new model for global inland sea ecological governance, reflecting China's approach and wisdom. We look forward to strengthening technical cooperation and exchanges in this field with relevant countries. Moving forward, we will continue to maintain our efforts in the governance of the Bohai Sea to promote continuing improvements to its ecological environment. Thank you.
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CCTV:
According to the white paper, China was the first country in the world to propose and enforce red lines for ecological conservation. Can you share how the red lines for marine eco-environmental conservation were drawn? What role do they play? What are the considerations for safeguarding these red lines? Thank you.
Sun Shuxian:
Thank you for your questions. Red lines for marine eco-environmental conservation have attracted wide concerns from the public. Since 2019, in combination with the formulation of a territorial spatial plan, the Ministry of Natural Resources has worked with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and other departments to establish the red lines for eco-environmental conservation. During this process, we have adhered to the principles of achieving full coverage of areas that are eligible, following a fact-based approach and have prioritized the inclusion of areas with critical ecological functions, such as biodiversity conservation and coastal protection, as well as the most ecologically fragile areas, such as coastal erosion under the ecological conservation red lines, on the basis of the marine eco-environmental importance assessment. At the same time, red lines have also covered undeveloped and uninhabited sea islands, habitats of rare and endangered marine species and migratory birds as well as spawning sites of important fishery resources, thus playing a key role in protecting the habitats and migration of marine life and birds.
To date, China has drawn red lines covering a total area of 150,000 sq km, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds and other typical marine ecosystems, forming an important blue eco-environmental shield.
To fortify the regulation of red lines for marine eco-environmental conservation, we have also worked with relevant departments to issue A Notice on Strengthening Management of Red Lines for Eco-Environmental Conservation (Trial), regulating the specific types and management requirements for allowing limited human activities and the specific circumstances and approval procedures for the occupation by major national projects, as well as clarifying the regulatory responsibilities of the departments overseeing red lines for eco-environmental conservation. Based on that, in combination with local conditions and considering both principles and flexibility, provinces and cities have introduced more operational regulation requirements for ecological conservation red lines with more local features.
Next, we will strengthen the coordination with local governments and carry out marine eco-environmental conservation performance evaluations on a regular basis. We will intensify the publicity to enhance awareness from all sectors of society to strictly safeguard red lines for marine eco-environmental conservation and gather social forces to jointly safeguard red lines for marine eco-environmental conservation. Thank you!
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CRNTT:
The marine issue concerns the whole world. What progress has China made in engaging in global marine governance? In addition, what are the considerations with regard to advancing international cooperation and exchanges in marine eco-environmental conservation as well as providing Chinese solutions for global marine governance? Thank you.
Sun Shuxian:
Indeed, the current marine-related issues concern the whole world, drawing attention from not only coastal states but also inland countries. China has been attaching great importance to international exchanges and cooperation on marine eco-environmental protection. I would like to briefly talk about the gains of cooperation in the following three aspects.
First, we have continued to deepen cooperation in key areas with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries as well as actively expanding global partnerships. We have issued a series of cooperation documents such as The Vision for Maritime Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, The Principles for Blue Partnership, and The Belt and Road Blue Cooperation Initiative. China has signed maritime cooperation agreements with over 50 countries and international organizations, laying a solid foundation for practical cooperation.
Second, we have continued to advance the development of cooperation platforms and launched more joint projects. We have established joint marine research centers, laboratories and other cooperation platforms with nine countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand. Marine cooperation mechanisms have been built with EU, African, Southeast Asian and island countries. We have provided technical support and training programs on capacity building for relevant coastal states and island countries in the areas of marine scientific research, marine disaster prevention and mitigation, marine eco-environmental protection and plan formulation concerning exploitation and utilization of marine resources. We have also launched a series of concrete and practical joint projects.
Third, we have taken an active part in the global governance of the marine environment. We have participated and played a constructive role in the whole process of the negotiations for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. We have responded positively to the U.N. Ocean Decade initiative and shared our practices and experiences in marine research, environmental protection, and disaster prevention and mitigation. We have held a series of international exchange activities including the World Coastal Forum and the World Ocean Week in Xiamen, providing experiences and examples for protecting global marine ecology and environment.
Going forward, we will take multiple measures to further enhance international cooperation and exchanges for marine eco-environmental protection. First, we will continue to expand our "blue" circle of friends. We will advance cooperation in areas including coordinated maritime management, marine research, marine observation and disaster prevention and mitigation, eco-environmental protection, and capacity building. Second, we will improve the development of cooperation platforms and mechanisms. We will implement the Ocean Decade Action Plan of China, create well-known brands for international cooperation such as the World Coastal Forum, and create more public products and services for the international community. We will actively participate in the global governance of the marine environment, carry out in-depth cooperation with the U.N. and its specialized agencies as well as regional organizations, conduct multilateral and bilateral consultation concerning important agendas in marine ecology, contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions, and display the image of a major responsible country with concrete actions. Thank you.
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Beijing Youth Daily:
Just now, Mr. Guo introduced some of the changes to the Marine Environment Protection Law following its latest revisions. We also noticed that in the latest version, the law has included a series of new regulations on the protection of marine biodiversity. What is the current situation regarding marine biodiversity? And what work will be done going forward to restore biodiversity? Thank you.
Guo Fang:
Thank you for your questions. The world is paying more and more attention to the topic of biodiversity you mentioned. As a Chinese saying goes, "All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from Nature." Biodiversity gives the Earth its vigor and vitality and is the root and lifeline for all life on Earth. The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth and a treasure trove rich in biodiversity. By protecting marine biodiversity, we are extending the oldest and most beautiful story of life.
China is a major maritime country. We have recorded over 28,000 species of marine life, accounting for 11% of the marine life known in the world. It is one of the countries with the richest marine biodiversity in the world. China attaches great importance to the protection of marine biodiversity and has been advancing protection and restoration as well as regulations and governance. The newly revised Marine Environment Protection Law has also given priority to protecting marine biodiversity and required improvements to the systems of investigation, monitoring, assessment and protection, as well as the protection and restoration of important marine ecological corridors.
According to the 2023 communique on China's marine ecology and environment, the condition of 24 typical marine ecosystems under monitoring has generally improved. Since the beginning of 2021, all "unhealthy" areas have been eliminated, with marine biodiversity steadily improving. With the help of the media, there are more and more reports and pictures concerning harmonious coexistence between marine life and humanity. For example, the Chinese white dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary and Sanniang Bay and the Bryde's whales in Shenzhen Bay and Weizhou Island, have become local internet celebrities and city representatives.
In December 2022, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) established the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which was a landmark event. Based on that framework and with the approval of the State Council, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has worked with relevant departments to formulate and issue China's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030), which takes the ocean as an important area and a key objective and will focus on strengthening the rehabilitation and restoration of the marine ecosystem including estuaries, bays, mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds. Just now, Mr. Sun has also made a detailed introduction in this regard.
Next, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other relevant departments will implement the requirements of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, carry out China's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, guide and urge coastal areas, in combination with the building of beautiful bays, to systematically launch refined investigations, focus on carrying out ecological protection, restoration and rehabilitation, and continue to strengthen investigation and monitoring as well as supervision and management, taking multiple measures to protect marine biodiversity. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Please continue with your questions. There are two reporters with their hands raised.
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China Daily:
We have noticed that the Ministry of Natural Resources has guided coastal areas to launch a series of major projects for marine eco-environmental protection and restoration. Could you share some more details on that? And what measures have been taken to preserve and restore the eco-environment? Thank you.
Sun Shuxian:
Thank you for your interest. Since the launch of the 13th Five-Year Plan, we have applied both natural rehabilitation and artificial restoration methods, and organized and implemented a series of major projects, with 175 projects having been implemented that have now delivered substantial results. I would like to answer your questions in combination with several specific examples.
One is the problems of "hard seawalls" destroying the ecological functions of coastlines. We have undertaken ecological renovation of seawalls, leveraging ecosystems' natural disaster mitigation capabilities to enhance the resilience of coastal zones. Another example is the problem of degradation of coastal wetlands caused by artificial structures and invasion of alien species. We have restored the ecological functions of these wetlands by demolishing artificial structures and promptly replanting mangroves, salt marsh vegetation and seagrass after removing invasive species. Our ecological restoration measures also include rehabilitating mangrove forests, coral reefs and seagrass beds, as well as protecting and rescuing rare and endangered species. We've implemented engineering measures such as renovating seawall openings, dredging, and managing bays. Generally, we have taken category-based, region-specific measures in accordance with local conditions and timing.
At present, marine eco-environment protection and restoration projects have yielded remarkable social, ecological, and economic benefits. These efforts have effectively reduced regional ecological degradation, significantly improved marine ecosystem quality, and strengthened ecosystem connectivity, stability, and integrity. I'd like to share two examples with you. The first is Xiamen, Fujian. Since 1988, starting with the comprehensive management of Yundang Lake, Xiamen has gradually implemented comprehensive management projects in the western sea area, Wuyuan Bay, Xinglin Bay, the eastern coastal area, and Maluan Bay. Through coordinated land and marine development and river-sea linkage, Xiamen has achieved systematic governance. This presents a vivid picture of the "Xiamen Approach," which features harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Recently, many media outlets have visited Xiamen, and I believe they were all impressed by what they saw.
Additionally, Beihai in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has implemented the "Blue Bay" improvement project. The initiative has basically curbed the deterioration of sea area environmental quality and coastal wetland degradation. It has also established connectivity along the shorelines of Yintan Beach and steadily increased the area of mangrove forests, yielding significant ecological, economic, and social benefits.
According to statistics, since the launch of the 13th Five-Year Plan, we have improved and restored 1,680 kilometers of coastlines and over 50,000 hectares of coastal wetlands nationwide. These efforts have improved the structure and function of typical marine ecosystems, effectively restoring habitats for rare and endangered species such as Chinese white dolphins and horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus). Additionally, we have mitigated disruptions to the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a route for migratory birds. Furthermore, our initiatives have also enhanced the sense of fulfillment and happiness of people living near and interacting with the sea, and built a safety barrier for the high-quality development of coastal regions. Thank you.
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Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:
The whitepaper mentions that the Blue Circle project, a new model of marine plastic waste management initiated by Zhejiang province, won the United Nations' 2023 Champion of the Earth award. How has the promotion and application of this model for marine plastic waste reduction progressed so far? What insights and solutions has China contributed to the protection and governance of the global marine eco-environment? Thank you.
Guo Fang:
Thank you for your recognition of the Blue Circle project. The control and treatment of marine plastic pollution is indeed a global challenge and a public concern. Taizhou, Zhejiang province, has explored and developed a new management model for marine plastic waste. By leveraging big data and blockchain technology, this model has made it possible to simultaneously achieve marine plastic pollution control, high-value recycling and utilization of resources, and prosperity for all fishermen while realizing ecological, social, and economic value. As a result, it stood out among 2,500 applications globally and won the United Nations' 2023 Champion of the Earth award, which is no small feat.
At present, the promotion and application of the Blue Circle are advancing at a fast pace. As far as we know, this model has been extended not only throughout Zhejiang province but also to the Yangtze River Delta region and coastal regions in southeast China. Blue Circle demonstration centers have been set up in Fujian, Shandong and Hainan. This model has gained global recognition and has been promoted and applied in Singapore, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Switzerland. The recycling system now includes not only the original, relatively single category of waste plastic bottles but also fishing nets and gear used for marine aquaculture.
With advanced technical solutions, an innovative operation mode, and high-quality marine recycled plastic products, the Blue Circle model has gained favor with many multinational corporations, industry associations, financial institutions and even overseas government agencies, attracting an increasingly diverse range of participants. Building on this success, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has collaborated with multiple departments to issue the Action Plan for the Cleanup of Marine Litter in Coastal Cities. This plan aims to further advance the recycling and collection of marine litter, providing more materials for projects such as the Blue Circle. We believe that it will play a positive role.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, coastal areas have pioneered innovative practices in marine eco-environment protection and governance. There are outstanding examples, including the Blue Circle you mentioned, the Xiamen Approach, which Mr. Sun presented in detail, and the governance of the Bohai Sea, which I just introduced. We have also achieved landmark accomplishments with recognition, influence, and reputation through the evaluation of excellent cases in the Beautiful Bay initiative. At present, the evaluation of the third batch of cases is underway. Through these efforts, we aim to provide new ideas and paradigms for global maritime governance.
These experiences and explorations belong both to China and to the rest of the world. China is willing to work with all countries to open a new chapter in building a maritime community of shared future, jointly preserve the Blue Homeland on which we rely for our subsistence, and leave a blue sky and clean ocean for future generations. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Thank you to our two speakers and friends from the media. Goodbye.
Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Wang Qian, Gong Yingchun, Ma Yujia, Zhang Rui, Zhou Jing, Zhang Tingting, Wang Ziteng, Zhang Junmian, Liu Caiyi, Xu Kailin, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
