What Makes China's Network of Nature Reserves Invaluable?
China boasts some of the richest biodiversity on the planet and uniquely features nearly all types of ecosystems. The establishment of its natural protected areas has been effective in conserving biodiversity and is crucial for ensuring national ecological security.
TroibNews 
Summer brings a flurry of activity to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake. During this time, birds feed and nurture their young while herders guide their yaks to the alpine pastures. Simultaneously, a large number of naked carp, a unique species native to the lake, gather to begin their annual migration.
These fish inhabit the lake, which is located in northwest China's Qinghai Province and has an average depth of 18 meters. However, the lake's high saline and alkaline levels hinder the gonad development of the naked carp, prompting mature individuals to migrate to the fresh waters of the Buha River and Shaliu River for spawning from May to August. This migration is one of the remarkable spectacles of Qinghai Lake.
The naked carp holds a significant place in the hearts of Qinghai residents as it once played a crucial role in saving lives. In the 1950s and 1960s, food shortages forced locals to depend heavily on this fish for survival, leading to large-scale development of its population.
Unfortunately, by the early 21st century, the "gift of the divine lake," as the fish was known, faced the threat of extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss, resulting in its numbers plummeting to less than 1 percent of their historical peak.
In response, local authorities introduced fishing bans and aggressively targeted illegal fishing and trading. With efforts including artificial breeding and enhancements to the lake’s ecology, the naked carp population began to recover despite challenges due to low fertility rates.
These conservation efforts have yielded promising results. By 2023, the total biomass of naked carp in Qinghai Lake reached approximately 120,300 tons—an increase of about 44 times since 2002. Consequently, the fish's protection status was improved from "endangered" to "vulnerable."
The success of the naked carp's recovery exemplifies China's broader conservation achievements. Populations of rare species such as giant pandas, crested ibises, and golden snub-nosed monkeys have also rebounded as the country has developed its network of nature reserves.
China boasts some of the richest biodiversity on the planet and is unique in having nearly every type of ecosystem. Its protected areas are vital for conserving biodiversity and play a significant role in ensuring national ecological security.
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, various types of nature reserves have been established. The focus on protecting endangered species has intensified, leading to enhanced international cooperation and a fruitful network of natural protected areas.
In 2012, the concept of ecological civilization was incorporated into China's integrated development plan under Xi Jinping’s leadership, emphasizing the need for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. "The Book of Changes says, 'We should learn about the changes of the season by studying natural phenomena and foster social development by studying human phenomena. Wealth arises from following the way of heaven and earth and assisting the natural order'," Xi stated at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection on May 18, 2018.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources, by June 2024, the country had restored more than 100 million mu of ecosystems that encompass mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts.
China's protected areas currently cover 18 percent of its land and 4.1 percent of its maritime territory, which corresponds to 90 percent of its terrestrial ecosystem types, 85 percent of wild animal populations, 65 percent of higher plant communities, and nearly 30 percent of significant geological relics.
These nature reserves provide a robust framework for ecological environmental protection. The "China Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan" has identified key areas and actions for biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, China has taken on international responsibilities, engaged in global environmental governance and biodiversity cooperation, and has actively promoted the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind—highlighting the interdependence and common challenges shared by all nations.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
These fish inhabit the lake, which is located in northwest China's Qinghai Province and has an average depth of 18 meters. However, the lake's high saline and alkaline levels hinder the gonad development of the naked carp, prompting mature individuals to migrate to the fresh waters of the Buha River and Shaliu River for spawning from May to August. This migration is one of the remarkable spectacles of Qinghai Lake.
The naked carp holds a significant place in the hearts of Qinghai residents as it once played a crucial role in saving lives. In the 1950s and 1960s, food shortages forced locals to depend heavily on this fish for survival, leading to large-scale development of its population.
Unfortunately, by the early 21st century, the "gift of the divine lake," as the fish was known, faced the threat of extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss, resulting in its numbers plummeting to less than 1 percent of their historical peak.
In response, local authorities introduced fishing bans and aggressively targeted illegal fishing and trading. With efforts including artificial breeding and enhancements to the lake’s ecology, the naked carp population began to recover despite challenges due to low fertility rates.
These conservation efforts have yielded promising results. By 2023, the total biomass of naked carp in Qinghai Lake reached approximately 120,300 tons—an increase of about 44 times since 2002. Consequently, the fish's protection status was improved from "endangered" to "vulnerable."
The success of the naked carp's recovery exemplifies China's broader conservation achievements. Populations of rare species such as giant pandas, crested ibises, and golden snub-nosed monkeys have also rebounded as the country has developed its network of nature reserves.
China boasts some of the richest biodiversity on the planet and is unique in having nearly every type of ecosystem. Its protected areas are vital for conserving biodiversity and play a significant role in ensuring national ecological security.
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, various types of nature reserves have been established. The focus on protecting endangered species has intensified, leading to enhanced international cooperation and a fruitful network of natural protected areas.
In 2012, the concept of ecological civilization was incorporated into China's integrated development plan under Xi Jinping’s leadership, emphasizing the need for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. "The Book of Changes says, 'We should learn about the changes of the season by studying natural phenomena and foster social development by studying human phenomena. Wealth arises from following the way of heaven and earth and assisting the natural order'," Xi stated at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection on May 18, 2018.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources, by June 2024, the country had restored more than 100 million mu of ecosystems that encompass mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts.
China's protected areas currently cover 18 percent of its land and 4.1 percent of its maritime territory, which corresponds to 90 percent of its terrestrial ecosystem types, 85 percent of wild animal populations, 65 percent of higher plant communities, and nearly 30 percent of significant geological relics.
These nature reserves provide a robust framework for ecological environmental protection. The "China Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan" has identified key areas and actions for biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, China has taken on international responsibilities, engaged in global environmental governance and biodiversity cooperation, and has actively promoted the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind—highlighting the interdependence and common challenges shared by all nations.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
