By David Stanway

KUNMING (China) – China used a U.N. diversity conference in Kunming for its green credentials, and launched new protection measures. However, the second largest economy on the planet is being pressured to address the global impact of its presence.

The conclusion ceremony at the “COP15” conference took place in Kunming (southwestern Chinese) on Friday. It was meant to prepare for a post-2020 global pact that will preserve habitats, slow down species loss and create a foundation for negotiating a new global pact.

During Monday’s video address, the Chinese President Xi Jinping revealed a new national parks scheme and a fund of 1.5 billion yuan (233 million dollars) to support conservation efforts in developing nations.

China’s successes in protecting endangered species and cleaning up its water supply were also recognized at this meeting. Delegates did however note one important gap.

Terry Townshend (a Beijing-based conservationist who is also an adviser to the Paulson Institute) stated that “one of the most important things that’s lacking for me” was that while there were many domestic commitments, there weren’t any commitments to incorporate biodiversity risks and concerns into China’s overseas investment.

Boston University published research this week that showed up to 24% endangered species of amphibian and bird, mammal, reptile, and other animal species are being affected by Chinese overseas projects.

“While China is quickly becoming a world leader on biodiversity conservation through its domestic system of protected areas, its overseas finance has been associated with significant risks to biodiversity,” said Rebecca Ray, a senior researcher at Boston’s Global Development Policy Center.

International Rivers group, which advocates against large dams, said that China’s hydropower projects overseas cause irreversible damage to the ecologically most fragile sites and endangered species.

China’s giant dam builders had not yet defined “no-go areas”, and the current projects were invading precious marine and mammal habitats throughout Africa, it stated.

China’s ministry of environment did not immediately reply to inquiries for comment.

SIGNS FOR IMPROVEMENT

There have been signs that China is shifting slowly not only to cleaner overseas investments, but also more biodiversity-friendly supply chains.

We still have some way to go before China legislates… “We still have a long way to go before China will legislate…,” Dimitri de Boer from ClientEarth Europe, the chief China representative, said.

Xi already has pledged to stop coal-fired power investment overseas. The world’s largest importer of soybeans, wood products and other commodities is looking at ways to improve commodity supply chain sustainability.

China and the European Union agreed to cooperate in this joint communique.

De Boer stated, “That is to me the most important news of the week easily.” “This is something international and non-governmental organizations have been highlighting for some time to make it more prominent on the Chinese government’s agenda.”

There are many challenges ahead, including when trying to trace where China’s bulk commodity purchase origins. Experts said that the statement, which was made after discussions between Han Zheng, vice-premier of China and European counterparts, is an indication that China’s environment ministry has more power to address overseas trade.

Townshend stated that China has made a great deal in the recent past. It is sensible to first do this domestically and then look to invest overseas. It will happen: The question is not when but how much.

($1 = 6.34340 yuan).