Background: As part of national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, China has prepared a Biodiversity Country Study and a National Biodiversity Action Plan. However, many of the key actions need to take place at the provincial level, reflecting regional differences in biodiversity and decentralized responsibilities for resource management.

The CBD provides a comprehensive approach to biodiversity, which needs to be reflected in the National Biodiversity Act, and in provincial legislation. Such legislation should incorporate new policy measures for implementing the CBD, including biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and the equitable distribution of benefits arising from such use.

China's protected area system is extensive and growing quickly, but a more comprehensive approach is needed to ensure that all key habitats are covered, that the protected areas fit within a larger bio-regional land-use plan, and that major management issues are clearly identified. This will often require a provincial-level approach.

Measures proposed: Initiate a programme to prepare biodiversity strategies and action plans at the provincial level. Such plans should be based on broad consultation with all interested economic sectors, including private enterprises. While each province will be free to address the biodiversity issues they consider of highest priority, SEPA should provide common guidelines to guide the effort. The provincial strategies and action plans should reach the county and township levels, and set out the major policy directions and key actions for the province. Each strategy/ action plan should include a protected area system plan, linkages to key economic sectors, a funding strategy that draws on a wide range of funding mechanisms and financial instruments, and any necessary changes in legislation

Prepare a National Biodiversity Strategy that establishes explicit national policies for implementing the CBD, providing the necessary guidance for extending action to the provincial level. This strategy should be converted into legislation through a National Biodiversity Act.