Conservation in China for Ecological Civilization

View of Guiyang from Dongshan Temple

"China’s emerging framework of Ecological Civilization is reshaping what conservation can mean—expanding the public discourse beyond protected areas and species recovery to include culture, livelihoods, and the ethical foundations of human–nature relationship." ~ Garrison Institute

The Pathways to Planetary Health initiative at the Garrison Institute and the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology are co-sponsoring a series of 5 webinars. "This forum examines conservation in China as a “nexus” challenge—where ecological science intersects with social realities and cultural meaning, and where lasting success depends on trust, governance, and long-term stewardship."

Series Featured Topics:

• Roots of Renewal: Ecological Civilization in China and the Confluence of  Tradition and Modernity | February 18, 2026

• Ecological Civilization: Thirty Years of Work in China | March 4, 2026

• Reading the Chinese Classics for Self-Transformation and Social Reform | March 18, 2026

• Daoism and Ecological Civilization | April 14, 2026

• A New Ecological Civilization Hub for Learning, Teaching, and Action | April 29, 2026

Their speakers will explore "how on-the-ground conservation efforts in China—from protected landscapes to human–wildlife coexistence—are navigating the tensions and opportunities created by rapid modernization.

What ethical approaches to conservation become possible when ecological values are treated as civilizational priorities?

Where do the most difficult tradeoffs arise?

What lessons might China’s experiments offer—or not offer—to leaders and communities elsewhere?"

More information here.

"Ecological civilization is the hypothetical concept that describes the alleged final goal of social and environmental reform within a given society. It implies that the changes required in response to global climate disruption and social injustices are so extensive as to require another form of human civilization, one based on ecological principles. It has become one of the tenets of the ideology of the Chinese Communist Party, often referred to as Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization." This policy was established during the National Ecological and Environmental Protection Conference, held in May 2018.

"The Chinese government views ecological civilization as linked to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, where sometimes the term "Green Silk Road" is used. The government's view of ecological civilization is focused on cities, under the view that any solution for the climate crisis must focus on cities because that is where most people live, most energy is consumed, and most carbon emissions are generated. China has designated ecological civilization pilot cities, including Guiyang."

"The Belt & Road initiative (BRI) was launched by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary Xi Jinping in 2013 while visiting Kazakhstan. It aims to invest in over 150 countries and international organizations through six overland economic corridors and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road."

"The BRI is central to Chinese foreign policy, promoting trade connectivity and China's leadership role in global affairs. As of 2025, participating countries account for nearly 75% of the world's population and over half of global GDP, based on aggregated membership and international economic datasets. The initiative is widely described as having the potential to enhance global trade, connectivity, and economic growth, particularly in developing economies."