China's Protected Area Reform Project Achieves Remarkable Success in Biodiversity Conservation

China's Protected Area Reform Achieves Remarkable Success

The China's Protected Area Reform for Conserving Globally Significant Biodiversity (C-PAR1) project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, has achieved remarkable success, exceeding several objectives by a significant margin. The project, which began in 2019, received a "satisfactory" midterm review in March 2022 and concluded with a "satisfactory" terminal review in January 2025. It is scheduled to end in March 2024.

Jointly implemented by the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (FECO/MEE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), C-PAR1 has played a crucial role in addressing key obstacles hindering China's biodiversity conservation goals. The project has also generated valuable insights for harmonizing protection and development within local communities, serving as a global reference point.

This challenge was addressed by strengthening the legal framework and improving government oversight mechanisms.

The project provided training and capacity building for park administrators, enhancing their expertise and experience.

C-PAR1 established effective information sharing platforms and improved coordination among stakeholders.

Through the collaborative efforts of the project's steering committee, partners, and experts, all three challenges have been effectively resolved. These achievements directly contribute to national government decision-making and the country's legislation process, ensuring the long-term success of China's biodiversity conservation efforts.