Chart of the Day: China to promote nature and sustainable development

May 22 marks International Day for Biological Diversity themed "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development." According to the official explanation, this theme emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between human needs and environmental conservation, promoting development that doesn't harm the planet. 

China is vigorously promoting society-wide biodiversity conservation to achieve peace with nature, Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment (MEE) Huang Runqiu has said. Data from the MEE shows that, in recent years, China has taken the lead in establishing an ecological protection redline system, accounting for more than 30 percent of the country's total land area. Ninety percent of its terrestrial ecosystem types and 74 percent of key protected wild animal and plant species populations are now effectively safeguarded.

China's forest coverage reached 25 percent in 2024, showcasing significant progress in ecological restoration and carbon sequestration. In water management, 90.4 percent of its surface water met or exceeded Grade III quality by 2024, surpassing the 85-percent target, reflecting successful efforts in environmental management.