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Introduction

The concept of biodiversity originated in the 1980s, referring to the biological components of the biosphere, including the diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems. The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity further clarified the definition of biodiversity. Biodiversity is crucial for human survival, global ecological balance, and sustainable development. In recent years, species extinction, loss of genetic diversity, and ecosystem destruction have drawn international attention. Human activities are the root cause of biodiversity loss. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the severe harm caused by ecosystem degradation. With accelerating urbanization, the connection between humans and nature has weakened. While urban development and biodiversity conservation may seem contradictory, urban biodiversity reflects the aspiration to maintain ecological balance in cities. Urbanization has led to a sharp decline in urban biodiversity, affecting the stability and sustainable development of urban ecosystems. The lack of urban biodiversity reduces public enthusiasm for ecological conservation and negatively impacts human health and well-being. President Xi Jinping proposed the concept of "harmonious coexistence between humans and nature," highlighting the strategic significance of urban biodiversity. City managers must possess sufficient awareness, willingness, and capability to ensure the sustained and rational protection and utilization of urban biodiversity.

1. National Policies and Urban Actions for Biodiversity Conservation

This section discusses the policies and actions for biodiversity conservation at national and urban levels in China and France. Both countries promote green, low-carbon economic and social systems domestically and actively participate in international cooperation. The China-France Joint Statement emphasizes their shared commitment to climate, biodiversity, and urban sustainable development, with plans to exchange experiences in mitigating climate change and urban planning. As a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, China has proposed the theory of ecological civilization, established biodiversity conservation as a strategic priority, and introduced relevant policies and regulations. France, a pioneer in ecological protection, prioritizes biodiversity conservation through laws such as the Environmental Code and implements a National Biodiversity Strategy. At the urban level, both countries face challenges in balancing biodiversity loss and conservation. China integrates urban biodiversity conservation into action plans, advancing ecological restoration and wetland protection, while France strengthens conservation and restoration efforts through its Biodiversity Plan, promoting the integration of nature into cities. Shenzhen and Lyon, as industrial cities, serve as successful examples of biodiversity conservation. Protecting biodiversity requires the participation and coordination of multiple stakeholders, representing a responsibility for urban development and a commitment to future generations.

2. Shenzhen’s Approach to Urban Biodiversity Conservation

Shenzhen, a major industrial hub in China, is also rich in wildlife resources and has achieved remarkable success in biodiversity conservation. The city comprises diverse biological environments, including forests, grasslands, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, providing habitats for various species. Shenzhen is home to 2,086 species of wild vascular plants and 585 species of terrestrial vertebrates, including 109 nationally protected animals. Facing environmental challenges from rapid industrialization, Shenzhen has implemented strict ecological protection measures, such as urban action plans, environmental education, ecological control lines, and increased urban green spaces, significantly improving its ecological environment. The city has received excellent or good ecological evaluations for ten consecutive years and was awarded the title of "Biodiversity Charming City" at COP15.

Shenzhen mainstreams biodiversity conservation, placing environmental protection on par with economic development. Measures such as delineating ecological control lines and optimizing natural reserve systems strengthen the protection of key ecological areas. The "Shenzhen Urban Biodiversity White Paper" and the "Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Ecological Environmental Protection Regulations" further enhance top-level design and legislative safeguards for biodiversity conservation.

In environmental education, Shenzhen has established a natural education service system, nature schools, and environmental education bases, offering citizens and students immersive learning experiences. Residents can access and book environmental education activities via the "Shenzhen I You" app. These bases integrate science education, ecological restoration, and recreation, promoting ecological awareness and sustainable development concepts.

Shenzhen’s ecological control lines ensure urban ecological security by maintaining the scientific integrity and continuity of ecosystems. These lines optimize urban functional zones and connect major ecological sites, effectively safeguarding the city’s ecological system.

Increasing urban green spaces is a key indicator of ecological restoration. Shenzhen has expanded its green coverage, with 78,000 hectares of forest (39.4% coverage) and 102,000 hectares of green space (43.4% coverage) in 2020. Green corridors link fragmented habitats, facilitating species migration and genetic exchange.

Shenzhen also strengthens genetic and species conservation, implementing programs for endangered species and genetic resources. Successful examples include the reintroduction of rare species like Debaux’s fir and the purple-veined slipper orchid. The city hosts three national germplasm resource centers and China’s first national gene bank, enhancing biodiversity protection.

3. Lyon’s Approach to Urban Biodiversity Conservation

Located in western France, Lyon boasts rich biodiversity due to its unique geography and history. The city’s economy evolved from silk and printing to textiles, chemicals, and modern high-tech industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Lyon’s climate and terrain support diverse flora and fauna. The city has earned accolades such as the "Four Flowers" award, "French Capital of Biodiversity," and top ranking in France’s green city biodiversity category.

Lyon’s conservation strategies include deploying green infrastructure, sustainable tree management under the "Tree Charter," expanding shaded pathways, and improving aquatic habitats. The government leads conservation efforts, creating the "Lyon Biodiversity Atlas" to assess ecological conditions and integrating biodiversity into urban planning. Public-private partnerships and associations drive conservation initiatives. Education programs raise awareness, while international collaborations—such as Lyon’s role in the "100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030" initiative and hosting CITES meetings—enhance global knowledge sharing.

4. Insights from Sino-French Urban Biodiversity Conservation

By 2050, 85% of Europe’s population will live in cities, while China’s urbanization continues, with over 900 million urban residents. Shenzhen and Lyon demonstrate that industrial growth and biodiversity conservation can coexist. Key shared strategies include: (1) Green infrastructure and multi-stakeholder ecosystem monitoring; (2) Technological innovation for smart cities and reduced resource dependence; (3) Biodiversity education and public engagement; and (4) International cooperation for global biodiversity networks. Protecting biodiversity requires collective global action, shared resources, and robust frameworks.

Conclusion

Biodiversity is vital for human survival and development. China and France treat biodiversity conservation as a critical environmental mission, with implications for economies, agriculture, fisheries, and food security. Biodiversity intersects with cultural diversity; China advocates harmony between humans and nature and multilateral ecological solutions. Analyzing Sino-French urban conservation policies fosters global cooperation in biodiversity governance. Shenzhen’s case exemplifies China’s ecological philosophy, contributing to international environmental justice.

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