By 2023, China has established 2,750 nature reserves , covering about 18% of the country's land area (Ministry of Ecology and Environment [MEE], 2023). However, some protected areas still face problems such as insufficient funding and fragmented management. China should build on the "30×30" global initiative , which aims to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, and enhance the ecological connectivity of protected areas (Dinerstein et al., 2019).

China has seen success stories in species conservation, such as the wild population of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) increasing from 1,114 in the 1980s to 1,864 (WWF, 2021), thanks to habitat restoration and anti-poaching policies. Similar measures should be expanded in the future, such as restoring the transboundary habitat of the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) (Jiang et al., 2022).

Although China leads the world in renewable energy (e.g., wind, solar) (40% of global installed capacity , IRENA, 2023), coal still accounts for 56% of the energy mix (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). The energy transition should be accelerated, and soil remediation should be strengthened (only 30% of China's polluted farmland is restored , MEE, 2022).

According to a survey conducted in 2022, only 35% of the Chinese public can accurately identify endangered species (China Environmental News, 2022). The government can learn from Operation Green Shield (closed down 7,000+ illegal developments , MEE, 2021), while promoting a community co-management model and increasing participation in citizen science.