Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs)  promotes sustainable growth and development. They anchor rural economies, support nature-based industries, and safeguard the natural assets on which millions of jobs and livelihoods depend. When adequately financed, PCAs become local economic engines — generating employment for rangers, youth, and community enterprises, and enabling nature-based value chains that translate conservation outcomes into lasting, inclusive prosperity.

Like many countries, China has navigated complex challenges in managing its PCAs, including fragmented governance structures, financing gaps, and growing development pressures that have tested the resilience of even its most strictly protected reserves. In response, the Government of China has embarked on a comprehensive governance reform, establishing a unified national park system that consolidates protected area management and puts in place a robust policy and legal framework. This workshop presents a unique opportunity to learn from China's experience in scaling a national park system, drawing on its approaches to ecological restoration, ranger management, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement.

This workshop convenes against the backdrop of a pivotal global commitment: Target 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for the protection of 30% of the planet's land and ocean by 2030. The workshop aims to accelerate momentum toward the 30x30 global target and translate global ambition into concrete actions.

The Global Wildlife Program (GWP), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the World Bank Group, together with the China–World Bank Group Global Center for Ecological Systems and Transitions (CWGC), is convening the Global Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Strengthening the Effectiveness and Impact of Protected and Conserved Areas. The workshop is co-organized with the Sichuan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) and other partner institutions, with the support from National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA).

 

The workshop brings together participants from 35 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to exchange experiences and insights on designing and managing PCAs systems. Participants include policymakers and technical officers responsible for PCA planning and management at national or system level, development partners, and civil society organizations.

 

The workshop objectives are to:

 

  • Share and explore national strategies and progress towards achieving Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), while identifying opportunities to strengthen contributions to its broader targets.
  • Exchange lessons learned, good practices, and innovations to improve PCA system planning and management effectiveness.
  • Share China’s experience and lessonss in establishing a national park system at scale, including good practices of multipurpose ecological restoration.