Jiangsu Highlights Biodiversity Conservation Efforts at COP17

During the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, Jiangsu showcased its significant strides in biodiversity conservation. Despite just covering 1.1% of China's land, Jiangsu hosts 6% of the nation's population and contributes over 10% of its GDP. The province balances this development with robust ecological initiatives, focusing on pollution control and ecosystem restoration.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology plays a key role in monitoring aquatic ecosystems along the Yangtze River. This method, used since 2012, allows for non-invasive species identification, enhancing conservation efforts. Public participation in protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise exemplifies community involvement in conservation, with thousands contributing observational data.

Jiangsu's legal framework, established with the 2025 Biodiversity Conservation Regulation, provides a structured approach to preserving biodiversity. The province has advanced restoration efforts, including establishing ecological zones and restoring thousands of hectares of wetlands, further driving biodiversity recovery.