has become more willing to participate in such agreements and to do so at an
earlier date.^34 China’s adherence to international obligations has increased as
international environmental diplomacy has accelerated and as China’s
capacity to participate has increased.
Some commentators attribute an anti-democratic impulse to China’s
participation in international conventions and environmental conference
diplomacy. Palmer argues:
‘This embrace of Western and international standards stems in part from a
reluctance to draw on either China’s indigenous traditions of environmental
protection or on the ideas of non-governmental environmental activists ... [It is] an
attempt to limit the political role of environmental activists and to avoid a genuine
degree of public participation in environmental decision-making.’^35Like other nations, China examines the costs and benefits to its global
participation and acts in its national interest. The significant fact, however,
is that these international conferences, conventions, and agreements have
enhanced China’s capacity to develop and implement biodiversity conserva-
tion policy. They are a clear indication of the vertical diffusion of ideas, rules,
and policy. In Chapters 6 and 7 we will examine other forms of environmental
learning in a discussion of transnational corporations and environmental non-
governmental organizations (NGOs).
Revision to Laws and Regulations
China’s participation in international environmental conferences and conven-
tions on biodiversity preservation followed upon her opening up to global
forces after the Maoist era, and expressed the increased value she placed in the
UN and international law. The rise of interest by political leaders in
environmental issues, including biodiversity conservation, also corresponded
with China’s growing wealth and ability to commit resources to environmental
protection.
In tandem with participation in international conventions on biodiversity,
leaders have developed a series of action plans to implement the CBD. These
represent policy statements of the regime, indicating strategic goals, measures,
and blueprints. We list the action plans, as well as a few projects embodying
goals, during the period 1992–2000:
● Action plan of marine biodiversity conservation (1992);
● Action plan for agriculture biodiversity conservation (1993);
● Forestry action plan for China’s Agenda 21 (1995);
● Action plan of the conservation and management of mangrove
ecosystems (1995–6);The framework for biodiversity conservation 75