This chapter investigates the interaction between China, under the guidance of the principle of ‘ecological civilization’, and international environmental law through case studies on two selected issue areas that are at the forefront of future international environmental lawmaking: biodiversity conservation and global ocean governance. The chapter first examines China’s legal efforts on biodiversity conservation. Given that China hosted for the first time the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 15th Conference of the Parties in 2021 and 2022, the chapter pays particular attention to China’s role in the negotiation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework – ‘a new global biodiversity framework to guide actions worldwide through 2030, in order to preserve and protect nature and its essential services to people’. The chapter then focusses on China’s participation in two of the latest negotiations of global ocean governance – biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) and the Mining Code in the deep seabed. It concludes with some suggestions regarding how China could possibly act towards a desirable future for a thriving planet for nature and human beings.

This Chapter discusses the legality of proposed plans to utilise icebergs as an alternative source of freshwater. This is an example of emerging demands on the oceans which need to be regulated by an adequate rule of law. The Chapter maintains that UNCLOS does not adequately regulate the potential use of icebergs. The only limitations are that States cannot utilise icebergs found in the maritime zones of other States and must observe the obligations under Part XII of UNCLOS to protect the marine environment. The Chapter also analyses the relevant instruments within the Antarctic Treaty System. None of these instruments indicates a prohibition against the use of icebergs. The only limitation is one of conducting an environmental impact assessment. Therefore, the Chapter identifies a gap in the regulatory capacities of international law. In addressing this gap, the Chapter discusses the potential of ongoing BBNJ negotiations.

Biological diversity, including marine biological diversity, is essential for human life. However, presently biological diversity on land and in the oceans is rapidly declining. Thus, there is a strong need to establish legal frameworks for the conservation of marine biological diversity. In this regard, growing attention is being paid to the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). This chapter will explore emergent norms on this subject. In particular, the following issues will be examined: (1) the principal approaches to conservation of marine biological diversity, (2) the limits of the LOSC with regard to the conservation of marine biological diversity, (3) the significance of, and the limitations associated with, the Convention on Biological Diversity in the context of the conservation of marine biological diversity, (4) MPAs and their limitations, and (5) MPAs on the high seas.