China to Strengthen Ecological Conservation During 2026–2030 Period

Dragon Media News Desk

China will intensify efforts to strengthen ecological conservation during the 2026–2030 period as part of its continued pursuit of green modernization, according to a recently issued development plan.

The plan, jointly released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and other government departments, aims to steadily improve the quality of the country’s ecosystems, enhance ecological diversity, stability and resilience, and strengthen national ecological security.

It sets a series of specific targets for the next five years. Protected areas are to account for no less than 18 percent of China’s total land area, while the country’s Ecological Quality Index is targeted to rise to 86.5.

The plan also calls for increasing the soil and water conservation rate to above 74 percent and raising forest coverage to 25.8 percent.

Among its major tasks are further optimizing the country’s ecological spatial configuration, advancing ecosystem protection and restoration, and comprehensively strengthening biodiversity conservation.

China has continued to place greater emphasis on ecological conservation and environmental protection as important components of its national development strategy. Alongside economic development, the country has expanded efforts in natural-resource protection, pollution control, ecological restoration and the development of greener production systems.

China’s landmark Ecological and Environmental Code is also set to take effect this Saturday, providing stronger legal support for sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

Together, the new development plan and strengthened legal framework are expected to further integrate China’s green modernization agenda with ecological security, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources during the 2026–2030 period.