North China's Shanxi province released its "Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030)" on July 24, aiming to achieve a forest coverage rate of 24.9 percent and a comprehensive grassland coverage rate of 74 percent by 2030.

Shanxi boasts a diverse array of ecosystems and serves as a crucial gene bank for northern China. It is home to 2,743 species of wild higher plants and 541 species of terrestrial vertebrates, alongside unique local resources like crop varieties, livestock breeds and medicinal herbs.

By 2035, Shanxi aims to establish a comprehensive framework of policies, regulations, and monitoring systems for biodiversity protection. By mid-century, the province envisions significant improvements in the quality and function of its forests, grasslands, wetlands and deserts, leading to a recovery in the populations of certain species and a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

To achieve these goals, Shanxi will take a multifaceted approach, including refining policy and legal frameworks, strengthening governance and management mechanisms, organizing educational campaigns, and establishing robust public participation mechanisms.

In response to the threats posed by biodiversity loss, Shanxi will prioritize the protection of key ecological zones, implement ecological restoration projects, accelerate the development of national parks, and build a rescue and rehabilitation system for wild animals.

Furthermore, the province will invest in enhancing its biodiversity monitoring capabilities, enforcing biodiversity protection laws, and bolstering scientific research and talent development. It will also actively engage in international and domestic collaboration on biodiversity conservation.