A Leverage Points Perspective on China’s Governance of Marine Protected Areas: Current State and Ways Forward

Jinpeng Wang, Zhengkai Mao and Zhijun Zhang ()
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Jinpeng Wang: School of Law, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Zhengkai Mao: School of Law, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Zhijun Zhang: Institute of Marine Development, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-23

Abstract: As a key element of spatial governance, marine protected areas (MPAs) have been increasingly established in various countries, with lessons learned from terrestrial environmental protection. Nevertheless, the development of MPAs in China continues to trail behind that of their land-based counterparts. Here, following the leverage points perspective of sustainability interventions, this article presents a systematic analysis of the governance and evolution of China’s MPAs, identifying key areas for improvement. The analysis encompasses the number, effectiveness, legal framework, governance structure, value, and paradigm of MPAs, and highlights the associated governance challenges facing China. Drawing on relevant experiences from the United States, Australia, and the European Union, the article offers valuable insights for informing China’s future MPA strategies. The study concludes that while China has made significant progress in the development of MPAs, further efforts are needed, including paradigm shifts, refinement of the legal system, optimization of governance structures, and enhancement of MPA effectiveness.

Keywords: marine protected areas; spatial governance; environmental protection; national park; nature reserve; leverage points; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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