How to delineate and zone protected areas under the scope of ecological conservation redline strategy

Abstract

Background & Aim: Under the scope of China’s ecological conservation redline strategy, this article focuses on how to handle the relationship between man and land in protected areas (PAs) by sound delineation and zoning, and adaptive management based on them. To understand the current status of China’s ecological conservation redline strategy and its major implementing area, i.e. protected areas, we collected and comprehensively analyzed the policies and literature regarding the topics of ecological conservation redline and PA governance. Results: (1) As a part of ecological conservation redline areas, PA’s delineation and zoning is not only a single natural scientific issue, but also a multi-objective; (2) The ecological conservation redline is not only a static physical space line but also a baseline for the dynamic control of the ecosystem; (3) Under the scope of ecological conservation redline strategy, PA’s delineation and zoning needs to consider geographical differentiation and should be based on local and time-based policies. Conclusion: The handling of the human‒land relationship within ecological conservation redline needs to clarify the development permission of PAs and scientifically concession uses of natural resources. The ecosystem characteristics of PAs should be studied to fully demonstrate their ability to withstand human activities under the premise of conserving the natural ecology. In this way, human activities will ultimately be controlled within the acceptable “baseline” of the stability of the ecosystem.