China

Supporting nature and livelihoods in one of the world's most populous countries

As the second-largest nation by land area, China is home to than 200 million hectares (500 million acres) of forests, Asia’s largest wetlands and freshwater flows that support one-fifth of the world's population.

Since 2002, Conservation International-China has collaborated with government agencies, businesses and local communities to protect nature in China. Our efforts focus on promoting nature-based climate solutions and reducing the environmental impact of investments in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Through a mix of innovative science, policy advocacy and field work, we have helped ensure protections for more than 2 million hectares (4.9 million acres) and improved the lives of 80,000 people in China's major river basins and marine regions.

Highlight project

Protecting wetlands, biodiversity in Poyang Lake

Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and provides critical habitats for a range of bird, fish and mammal species, as well as freshwater for surrounding communities in southeastern China. But human development and climate change have led to the degradation of Poyang Lake basin, threatening the people and wildlife who rely on it. In 2019, Conservation International-China launched a comprehensive project to restore this critical ecosystem.

Using the Freshwater Health Index, our team identified challenges to the lake's health and prioritized next steps for better protection of wetland ecosystems and sustainable use of the area's natural resources. Further work has included the establishment of the Duchang Nature Reserve — a critical habitat for migratory birds, which is helping toraise awareness of wetland and biodiversity conservation in and around the basin.

Where we work in China

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