Background: China is one of the richest countries in terms of its biodiversity, yet is also one whose biodiversity is under great threat.

China has ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the conservation of its biodiversity and has carried out a series of far-reaching conservation policies and measures, including a concerted effort to address the objectives of the CBD.

Biodiversity conservation involves all sectors, which means there may be conflicts between different sectors over conservation initiatives.

The existing national Biodiversity Action Plan requires a nation-wide coordination institution to ensure its effective implementation.

Factors dealing with tradition and improper division of capacity within institutions have led to the failure of relevant sectors to cooperate with each other over conservation initiatives, a situation that needs to be improved.

In addition to the CBD, many other international conventions relate to the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems, covering endangered animal and plant trade, wetland conservation, migratory species, whaling, desertification, world heritage, migratory species, climate, marine life, etc. Their implementation involves different sectors.

Measures proposed: Establish a Coordinating Body for Biodiversity Conservation at the national level that would be in charge of the coordination of biodiversity resources and ecosystem conservation agencies, as well as be the implementation agency for the CBD. This Coordinating Body should have legal, political and financial authority over nation-wide biodiversity activities. The Coordinating Body should be responsible for guiding and encouraging biodiversity conservation in China through policy-making and planning. Building on China's Biodiversity Action Plan, the Coordinating Body should oversee the preparation of China's Biodiversity Strategy, which would establish the main policy directions for China's implementation of the CBD.