The Response of the Codification of the Eco-Environmental Code to the “Mainstreaming of Biodiversity” Objective in the GBF

Abstract

The subsequent international negotiations of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework are approaching. China’s ecological civilization construction is advancing vigorously, and the draft of the Ecological Environment Code has been formulated for public consultation. Against the backdrop of these critical historical milestones, both domestic and international processes resonate with the priority area of “biodiversity mainstreaming” outlined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030). The content of this priority area mainly involves two major directions: establishing a legal and regulatory system related to biodiversity, and drafting regulations on access and benefit-sharing of biological genetic resources. To meet the localized objective of “biodiversity mainstreaming,” the Ecological Environment Code, which is philosophically grounded in “harmonious coexistence between humans and nature,” must also respond to issues related to this priority area. This includes formulating rules on benefit-sharing of digital sequence information on genetic resources and establishing a “biodiversity credit market mechanism.” Such measures will not only promote the integrated development of ecological civilization construction and biodiversity conservation in China but also help shape the international discourse on China’s concept of “ecological civilization.”