Vigorous efforts should be made to carry out major biodiversity protection projects and strengthen public awareness about preserving biodiversity, according to a written instruction by Premier Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The instruction was issued to the International Day for Biological Diversity 2020 publicity event held on May 20 in Beijing.

In recent years, China has implemented a range of policies and measures to conserve biodiversity, an important foundation for humans to live and develop in harmony with nature, Premier Li said, acknowledging the widely praised and noticeable achievements from the conservation actions.

As required by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, local regions and related government departments should adhere to the principle of seeking ecological and environmental protection while ensuring economic development and vice versa, and create a sound legal system for protecting biodiversity, the Premier instructed.

Solid steps should be in place to complete major related projects, protect wild fauna and flora, and build a protected area system dominated by national parks, said Premier Li.

The publicity event should serve as an opportunity to help foster people’s awareness about maintaining biodiversity, said Premier Li.

Greater international communication and cooperation is also necessary for making positive contributions to a global response in this regard, he added.