EU-China Think Tank Dialogue
Biodiversity and Land Use

As part of the EU-China Think Tank Engagement on Green Governance Project—funded by the European Union and implemented by the Hanns Seidel Foundation in cooperation with key think tanks of China’s Ministry of Natural Resources—this fourth delegation brought together policy experts, researchers, and NGO representatives for a dynamic week of exchange across Beijing and Guangzhou.

Key Activities & Highlights

Beijing – Setting the stage
The week began with an introductory meeting at the EU Delegation to China, where participants were welcomed by Mr. Laurent Bardon, Head of the Green Transition Section. The meeting outlined EU-China green cooperation and provided updates on both sides’ climate and biodiversity priorities.
Monday afternoon, discussions were held with the Ministry of Natural Resources’ think tanks tackling topics like urban biodiversity planning, farmland protection, biodiversity credits, and global frameworks like Digital Sequence Information and COP16.

Delegation visits Greennovation hub

Dialogue with NGOs & Public Conference
The delegation visited the Chinese Think Tank Greenovation Hub for a dialogue with their Nature Conservation team. The discussion focused on land use, biodiversity indicators, and recent development of international collaboration on biodiversity, such as the BBNJ Agreement.
Tuesday afternoon, a public conference gathered researchers and policy advisors to discuss nature restoration strategies, urban biodiversity, and future opportunities for EU-China cooperation.

Research in Action at Peking University
On June 18, the delegation visited Shan Shui Conservation Center, where they engaged with the team on topics such as biodiversity monitoring, community-based conservation, biodiversity mainstreaming, and Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). They also exchanged experiences on the innovative application of AI and data in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Urban and Wetland Restoration in Guangzhou
In Guangzhou the program focused on urban sustainability and wetland restoration. The participants met with the City Planning Institute and the Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau, and explored large-scale land consolidation and biodiversity strategies. Field visits to the Nansha and Haizhu wetlands revealed real-world efforts in mangrove restoration, bird habitat protection, and urban ecological planning.

The week ended with a dinner joined by local NGOs focused on youth climate action.

Participants

European participants included experts from:

• European Environmental Bureau (EEB)
• Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP)
• NABU International & Species Conservation Foundation
• University of Agriculture in Krakow
• Leiden University
• CONCITO (Denmark)

Chinese counterparts included experts from:

• Consulting and Research Center, Ministry of Natural Resources (CRC MNR)
• Research Center on Territorial Spatial Planning, Ministry of Natural Resources (RCTSP MNR)
• Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources (LCRC MNR)
• Shan Shui Conservation Center
• Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute
• Guangzhou Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau
• Guangzhou wetland and city planning exhibition center administrations

About the Project

The EU-China Think Tank Engagement on Green Governance Project seeks to foster regular exchanges between leading think tanks and academic institutions in China and the EU, through Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogue formats. The project supports deeper mutual understanding, trust-building, and evidence-based policymaking on key green governance issues such as climate mitigation and adaptation, land use, biodiversity protection, energy transition and ecological restoration, etc.

Stay tuned for further updates on policy papers, joint research, and future delegation activities.