Acknowledgments vi

Acronyms 01

Executive Summary 03

Introduction 05

Context of China’s Protected Area System 05

Purpose and methodology for this report 08

International frameworks and good practices for PA governance and management 09

Diagnosis of PA system in China applying global good practices and recommendations to address gaps 12

1. Good governance 13

What is meant by good governance for PAs? 13

Progress and challenges in China 13

International and Chinese case studies that demonstrate principles and good practices for good governance 17

Recommendations for fostering good governance in China 21

Further resources for fostering good governance 23

2. Sound design and planning 24

What is meant by sound design and planning for PAs? 24

Progress and challenges in China 25

International and Chinese case studies that illustrate principles and good practices for sound design and planning 28

Recommendations for achieving sound design and planning in China 35

Further resources for achieving sound design and planning 37 3.

3. Effective management 38

What is meant by effective management of PAs? 38

Progress and challenges in China 39

International and domestic case studies that demonstrate principles and good practices for effective management 42

Recommendations for achieving effective management in China 49

Further resources for achieving effective management 51

4. Achieving conservation outcomes 52

What is meant by achieving conservation outcomes of PAs 52

Progress and challenges in China 53

International and Chinese case studies illustrating principles and good practices for successful conservation outcomes 56

Recommendations for achieving successful outcomes in China 62

Further resources for achieving conservation outcomes 63

Summary of key recommendations 64

Annex 1. Key policy documents and milestones of China’s NP and PA system reform 69

Annex 2. Summary of recommendations and ranking 72

Annex 3. List of case studies and linkages to recommendations 75

References 78