Strategic framework for ecological progress

China’s “15th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Conservation” (2026-2030), jointly issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and other government agencies, marks a significant milestone in the country’s environmental governance. Released in August 2026, the plan integrates ecological priorities into China’s broader development strategy and serves as a key component of the national “Beautiful China” initiative.

Strategic priorities for 2026-2030

The plan outlines a comprehensive framework to address ecological and environmental challenges while promoting green, low-carbon development. It calls for enhanced ecosystem protection, restoration, and improved coordination between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Among its core objectives, the plan emphasises:

• • Strengthening ecological governance: Integrating ecological conservation into broader national policies.
  • Improving environmental quality: Setting measurable targets to track progress.
  • Promoting green lifestyles: Encouraging sustainable production and consumption patterns across society.

Key targets for 2030

By 2030, the plan aims to achieve:

• • Ecological Quality Index (EQI): Increase to 86.5.
  • Protected areas: Maintain no less than 18% of national land area.
  • Soil and water conservation rate: Exceed 74%.
  • Forest coverage: Reach 25.8%.

Vision for 2035

Looking beyond 2030, the plan envisions:

• • Establishing a smart and efficient supervision system for ecological protection and restoration.
  • Modernising ecological governance systems and enhancing governance capacity.

Focus on biodiversity conservation

Biodiversity plays a critical role in ecological stability and resilience. The plan prioritises:

• • Strengthened protection of key ecosystems.
  • Refinement of the ecological conservation red-line system.
  • Implementation of major ecological restoration projects.

These initiatives aim to safeguard national ecological security and promote long-term sustainability.

Broader significance

The “15th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Conservation” reflects China’s commitment to aligning environmental objectives with economic and social development. By embedding ecological priorities into the national strategy, it underscores the importance of sustainable development in achieving the broader “Beautiful China” vision.