Construction of China’s marine protected area system in 15th Five-Year Plan

The establishment of the marine protected area (MPA) system constitutes a critical component of the national initiative to comprehensively advance the development of a nature reserve system centered on national parks. This study explores on domestic and international development trends from aspects such as conservation strategies, international policies, high seas protection, and development trends. It also sorts out and analyzes the construction status of marine protected area systems in China and the United States. Centering on issues in China related to spatial layout, management systems, policies and laws, scientific research support, high seas governance, and land-sea management, the study puts forward policy suggestions for advancing the construction of a marine protected area system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period through integrated development, institutional innovation, global governance, and the construction of deep sea and high seas protected areas.