CNR:

We know that China hosts a variety of typical marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. Could you please elaborate on the measures implemented in recent years to protect and restore typical marine ecosystems? Going forward, how do you intend to consolidate the existing protection achievements? Thank you.

Sun Shuxian:

Thank you for your question. Marine ecosystems provide various essential ecological services that support our survival, economic productivity and quality of life. In recent years, the Ministry of Natural Resources has adhered to the principles of respecting, complying with, and protecting nature. We have vigorously protected and restored typical marine ecosystems, striving to enhance their diversity, stability and sustainability. Our main efforts have been focused on the following areas:

Regarding current status surveys, in 2020, we completed nationwide surveys of typical ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal salt marshes. We have essentially grasped the distribution and ecological conditions of various typical ecosystems and identified prominent ecological issues and the main threats and risks they face.

In terms of early warning and monitoring, we conduct regular ecological early warning and monitoring for key areas and issue early warning products. These efforts provide a fundamental basis for marine ecological protection and restoration.

In terms of ecological assessment, we regularly evaluate the conditions of typical ecosystems. Some of you might have noticed that in June this year, we issued the first "China Marine Ecological Early Warning and Monitoring Bulletin." The monitoring results showed that the overall conditions of ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, coastal salt marshes, and mangroves are predominantly good to excellent.

Regarding ecosystem protection, we've included most typical marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds, within our ecological protection red lines, where strict protection measures are implemented. Additionally, human activities that do not meet management requirements and severely impact the structure and function of these ecosystems are gradually being phased out.

In terms of ecosystem restoration, we have actively mobilized both central and local financial resources to protect and restore degraded and damaged typical marine ecosystems. Our goal is to restore these ecosystems and their service functions.

Going forward, we will take multiple measures to continuously strengthen the protection and restoration of typical ecosystems. First, we will stay attuned to dynamic changes, continuously enhance our surveys and assessments of the status quo of typical marine ecosystems, and gradually improve our systems for continuous observation, monitoring, and early warning. Second, we will strengthen our protection management strategies, strictly enforcing the ecological protection red line system, integrating land and spatial planning with regular check-ups and assessments every five years, promptly identifying and incorporating other typical ecosystem distribution areas, and enhancing oversight and control of marine and island development projects that may impact typical ecosystems. Third, we will implement scientifically based protection and restoration measures. We'll improve our approach through category-based policies, enhance our scientific and technological support capabilities, and strengthen our complete process, including tracking, monitoring, effect evaluation, and post-restoration management, to ensure the effectiveness of our restoration efforts. Additionally, we will actively explore and promote the realization of the value of ecological products, pilot the valuation of ecological products, encourage social capital to participate in the protection and restoration of typical marine ecosystems, and foster a social atmosphere of joint development and shared benefits. Thank you!