China Launches Nationwide Bird Protection Initiative

China is gearing up to implement a comprehensive three-year campaign designed to boost bird protection across the nation. This initiative, which is a collaborative effort involving 17 different government institutions, will primarily concentrate on conserving avian species and their natural environments, tackling illegal hunting practices, and increasing public awareness about the importance of birds.

As part of the initiative, China plans to enhance its field patrols and monitoring systems dedicated to bird populations. These patrols will be systematically executed along the four main migratory routes that pass through China, as well as at 1,140 critical locations known for significant bird activities. Additionally, the country aims to establish a robust bird protection and monitoring network, carry out surveys for wintering waterbirds, and restore essential habitats for various bird species.

The initiative will also see China tightening regulations surrounding artificial bird breeding and intensifying enforcement actions against illegal activities such as poaching and trading of birds. Furthermore, efforts to educate the public will be amplified through a range of activities intended to cultivate a culture of appreciation and protection for birds in society.

With over 1,500 bird species, representing 13 percent of the world's total, China stands as one of the most biodiverse nations for birds. Among these, more than 800 are migratory, utilizing the four significant migratory flyways that traverse the country. China has consistently prioritized bird conservation and implemented various schemes that have demonstrated considerable success, including enhanced habitats and biodiversity conservation. Notably, in 2024, the number of overwintering waterfowl in China reached an unprecedented high.