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Recognizing China’s Marine Ecological Redlines as Institutional Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures for Advancing the 30 × 30 Global Biodiversity Target

Author

Listed:
  • Rong Zeng

    (National Marine Data and Information Service, Tianjin 300171, China)

  • Wenhai Lu

    (National Marine Data and Information Service, Tianjin 300171, China)

  • Yan Xu

    (National Marine Data and Information Service, Tianjin 300171, China)

  • Yangyi Ai

    (National Marine Data and Information Service, Tianjin 300171, China)

  • Jie Liu

    (National Marine Data and Information Service, Tianjin 300171, China)

Abstract

Recognizing Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) is a critical pathway for achieving the global “30 × 30” biodiversity target. China pioneered the Marine Ecological Redline (MERL) system to safeguard key marine ecosystems, rare and endangered species, and critical habitats through large-scale, legally mandated spatial regulation. However, MERLs have not yet been systematically assessed against OECM criteria. This study evaluates the institutional attributes and ecological effectiveness of MERLs, using the Pearl River Estuary as a case study, and identifies potential OECMs across non-MERL areas in China. The results show that MERLs fully meet OECM criteria, with the Pearl River Estuary MERLs demonstrating marked improvements in water quality, biodiversity recovery, and control of marine development intensity. We provide the first empirical evidence that MERLs function as a nationally led institutional OECM model, which enriches the typology of OECMs and introduces a novel governance pathway for marine biodiversity protection. Furthermore, eight types of non-MERL spatial units were identified as potential marine OECMs. By implementing policy and economic incentive mechanisms and establishing tiered recognition and dynamic identification systems, China can further biodiversity conservation and contribute to the global 30% marine protection goal.

Suggested Citation

  • Rong Zeng & Wenhai Lu & Yan Xu & Yangyi Ai & Jie Liu, 2025. "Recognizing China’s Marine Ecological Redlines as Institutional Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures for Advancing the 30 × 30 Global Biodiversity Target," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8323-:d:1751100
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James A. Fitzsimons & Kellyn Garrison & Blinne Finnegan & Ian Luby, 2025. "The 30 × 30 Protection Target: Attitudes of Residents from Seven Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Thomas A Oliver & Kirsten L L Oleson & Hajanaina Ratsimbazafy & Daniel Raberinary & Sophie Benbow & Alasdair Harris, 2015. "Positive Catch & Economic Benefits of Periodic Octopus Fishery Closures: Do Effective, Narrowly Targeted Actions ‘Catalyze’ Broader Management?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(6), pages 1-24, June.
    3. Susana Perera-Valderrama & Laura Olivia Rosique-de la Cruz & Hansel Caballero-Aragón & Sergio Cerdeira-Estrada & Raúl Martell-Dubois & Rainer Ressl, 2023. "Mexico on Track to Protect 30% of Its Marine Area by 2030," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-21, September.
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