Kathmandu— China officially implemented its new Ecological and Environmental Code on Saturday, marking a significant step towards strengthening the legal framework for ecological protection and sustainable development. Adopted in March as the nation's second statutory code after the Civil Code, the comprehensive legislation integrates over 30 laws, 100 administrative regulations, and 1,000 local provisions into a unified system covering pollution control, ecological preservation, and green economic practices. The move is intended to support China’s “Beautiful China” initiative and accelerate its transition towards a more environmentally harmonious future.

Consolidating Fragmented Laws

Prior to the code's implementation, China’s environmental legislation was often described as fragmented, with inconsistencies between national and local regulations hindering effective governance. The new code addresses this by systematically integrating existing laws and regulations, creating stronger legal synergy for ecological protection. Qin Tianbao, a professor at Wuhan University, explained that this represents “a historic shift in the logic of China’s ecological and environmental governance,” moving from fragmented management to systematic oversight. Xu Xufen, a judge at the Intermediate People's Court of Huzhou City, added that the code provides clearer guidance for handling ecological and resource protection cases.

Progress on Environmental Indicators

The strengthened legal framework builds upon years of environmental efforts that have already yielded positive results. By 2025, the average PM2.5 concentration in major Chinese cities fell to 28 micrograms per cubic meter, with 89.3 percent of days registering good air quality – both record highs since monitoring began. China has also experienced significant growth in forest coverage, exceeding 25 percent nationally by the end of 2025 and accounting for approximately one quarter of global afforestation efforts this century. These improvements demonstrate a commitment to environmental improvement alongside economic development.

Aligning Economy with Ecology

The code dedicates an entire chapter to green and low-carbon development, aiming to align environmental protection with economic progress—often seen as conflicting goals. Hou Jiaru, a professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, noted that this approach embodies “the philosophy of development through protection and protection through development.” This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the cultivation of over 8,000 national-level green factories, the construction of the world’s largest clean power supply system, and the establishment of a large carbon emissions trading market.

Global Collaboration and Leadership

China also intends to share its experiences with other nations. Examples include introducing water-saving farming techniques in Egypt and providing photovoltaic technology to Saudi Arabia for solar energy production. The code specifically addresses international cooperation, calling for strengthened collaboration on ecological protection and fulfillment of obligations under international treaties. Analysts suggest this signals a transition for China from participant to leader in global environmental governance, offering a legislative model particularly relevant for developing countries.

Looking ahead, the State Council has issued a plan for building a Beautiful China during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), outlining targets and tasks for comprehensively advancing ecological initiatives.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.