Decision of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress on Further Advancing Ecological Civilization Construction and Building a Shanghai Exemplar of Beautiful China

(Adopted at the 23rd Session of the Standing Committee of the 16th Shanghai Municipal People's Congress on July 31, 2025)

The construction of an ecological civilization is vital to the well-being of the people and the future of the nation. For the purposes of resolutely advancing ecological civilization construction in the new era and on the new journey, with a higher stance, broader vision, and greater intensity, striving to build Shanghai into a model of Beautiful China and a modern socialist international metropolis in harmony between humanity and nature, and contributing Shanghai solution to the sustainable development of global megacities, we hereby have made the following decision:

I. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide, deeply implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and the spirit of the important speech delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his visit to Shanghai, and implement the philosophy of "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" as well as the concept of "People's City". We must adhere to the principle of ecological priority and green development, gain a deep understanding of the patterns and characteristics of ecological environment governance in megacities, deepen reforms of the ecological civilization system, synergistically advance carbon mitigation, pollution control, ecological expansion, and economic growth, using high-level environmental protection to underpin high-quality development. Moreover, we must keep ecological civilization construction in a prominent priority in the broader context of reform, opening-up, and modernization efforts, fully leverage the leading and demonstrative role to ensure that the ecological civilization construction in Shanghai consistently set national benchmarks.

II. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must fully leverage the guiding role of territorial spatial planning, comprehensively implement the major function-oriented zone strategy, rigorously enforce territorial space use controls, and establish a spatial framework for green, low-carbon, and high-quality development.

Optimizing the development and conservation pattern of territorial space. We shall improve the territorial spatial planning system, coordinate the layout of agricultural, ecological, and urban spaces, strictly enforce ecological conservation redlines, rigorously protect arable land and permanent basic farmland, and strictly control planned construction land. We shall apply binding requirements for ecological conservation redlines, environmental quality baselines, and resource utilization ceilings to ecological-environmental control units, and dynamically refine the ecological-environmental access list. We shall strengthen the coordinated control mechanism between ecological-environmental zoning regulations and territorial spatial planning.

Developing distinctive urban and rural ecological spatial patterns. We shall guide the Pudong New Area as a pioneering zone for socialist modernization, push the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Hongqiao International Central Business District, and the five new cities to develop distinctive ecological spaces to be aligned with their respective positioning, deepen the "north-south transformation" of Baoshan and Jinshan districts, advance the high-standard development of Chongming as a world-class ecological island, create high-quality world-class waterfront spaces along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, and develop the city-circumventing ecological park belt, and promote the high-level construction of the Yangtze River Delta Eco-Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone.

III. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, support the establishment of a new development paradigm, vigorously develop a circular economy, deepen the green foundations of high-quality development, and promote a comprehensive green and low-carbon transformation of economic and social development.

Accelerating green and low-carbon transformation in key sectors. We shall build a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient modern energy system, develop green energy and new energy storage methods. We shall deepen the integration of industrial digitalization, intelligentization, and greening, vigorously foster strategic emerging industries, high-tech industries, green and environmental protection industries, and modern service sectors, accelerate the green transformation of traditional industries such as steel and petrochemicals, and enhance clean production standards. We shall establish a green and low-carbon transportation system, develop green ports and airports, and promote multimodal transport integrating railways, highways, waterways, and aviation. We shall comprehensively advance green building development, accelerate energy-saving and carbon-mitigation retrofits for existing buildings and municipal infrastructure.

Expediting the dual-control system for carbon emissions in total volume and intensity. We shall improve the standard system for carbon peaking and neutrality, establish a robust carbon emission statistical accounting framework, and develop a product carbon footprint management system to accelerate the creation of green and low-carbon supply chains. We shall enhance the development of Shanghai regional carbon market and improve voluntary emission reduction mechanisms such as carbon inclusive programs.

Implementing a comprehensive resource conservation strategy. We shall strengthen energy conservation and efficiency, promote the cascaded utilization of waste heat and pressure. We shall deepen water-saving initiatives, enforce dual controls on total water use and intensity. We shall optimize land conservation and intensive use systems, advance comprehensive land remediation and the reduction of inefficient construction land. We shall promote raw material conservation and resource recycling, foster the development of remanufacturing industries.

IV. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must adhere to targeted, scientific, and law-based pollution control, intensify the campaign against pollution, accelerate fundamental improvements in the ecological environment, and achieve a healthy and beautiful ecosystem.

Making sustained and in-depth efforts to safeguard blue skies, clear waters, and clean land. We shall strengthen source control for air pollution, enhance coordinated control of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, and improve multi-pollutant collaborative governance to continuously upgrade ambient air quality. We shall implement integrated management of water resources, water environments, and aquatic ecosystems, enhance protection of drinking water sources in the Yangtze River Estuary and upper reaches of the Huangpu River, improve comprehensive sewage treatment systems, and advance the development of beautiful, thriving rivers, lakes, and bays. We shall implement combined prevention and control of soil and groundwater pollution, strengthen full-chain management of soil pollution risk investigation, assessment, and remediation, and strictly control soil environmental risks.

Constructing in a high-standard way a zero-waste city. We shall comprehensively promote source reduction of solid waste, elevate resource utilization and safe disposal levels, and continuously advance the management of emerging pollutants.

V. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must coordinate integrated protection and systematic conservation of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts to enhance ecosystem diversity, stability, and sustainability, improve urban and rural living environments, and continuously strengthen people's sense of gain and happiness in enjoying a sound ecological environment.

Strengthening ecosystem protection and restoration. We shall accelerate the implementation of conservation and restoration projects for critical ecosystems such as forests, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, consolidate urban forest foundations, and enhance the ecological service functions of rivers and wetlands. We shall strengthen the protection of natural ecosystems in key areas, including national nature reserves like Chongming Dongtan and Jiuduansha, as well as the East China Sea, Yangtze River Estuary, Dianshan Lake periphery, and Hangzhou Bay periphery. We shall advance the protection and construction of vital ecological corridors such as suburban greenbelts, regional ecological corridors, and ecological buffer zones. We shall implement biodiversity conservation strategies and action plans, improve biodiversity protection networks, and continue habitat conservation and restoration for wildlife, enhance protection efforts for rare and endangered species such as Chinese sturgeons, as well as ancient and famous trees and native tree species.

Building an ecologically livable homeland. We shall promote the development of park cities, improve urban and rural spatial forms and ecological environment quality, and foster the openness, sharing, and integration of green spaces. We shall advance the construction of high-quality beautiful neighborhoods, create picturesque rural villages with Shanghai-style characteristics and Jiangnan charm, and elevate the quality of urban and rural living environments. In line with urban renewal, we shall develop and enhance various urban ecological spaces based on local conditions, create more urban natural habitats. We shall continue addressing key concerns in people's daily lives, make efforts to resolve pollution nuisances such as cooking fumes, noise, and foul odors.

VI. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must implement the overall approach to national security, strengthen risk assessment, monitoring and early warning, emergency response, and enhance disposal capabilities for ecological security, enhance the resilience of the ecological environment and safeguard the bottom line of urban ecological safety.

Strictly preventing and controlling environmental risks. We shall strengthen risk management in key areas such as industrial parks and crude oil terminals, as well as in critical sectors including hazardous waste, hazardous chemicals, and heavy metal pollution. We shall improve monitoring and early warning systems for drinking water source and quality, and enhance responses to saltwater intrusion and sudden environmental incidents. We shall rigorously supervise and manage nuclear and radiation safety to ensure their security.

Enhancing biosafety and environmental security management. We shall strengthen quarantine measures for inbound animals and plants, and improve prevention and control ability of invasive alien species, including ongoing efforts to manage spartina alterniflora. We shall enhance the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, and upgrade the conservation and management level of biological genetic resources.

Effectively addressing adverse climate change impacts. We shall implement climate change adaptation initiatives, upgrade urban infrastructure, and systematically advance sponge city development to bolster resilience against such extreme weather events as heavy rain, heatwaves, and typhoons.

VII. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must fully implement national strategies for integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, drive deeper and broader regional ecological and environmental protection integration. We must strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in ecological civilization construction, establish a pioneering platform for jointly building a clean and beautiful world.

Collaboratively building the Yangtze River Delta pilot zone for Beautiful China. We shall jointly cultivate green productivity and expand green industrial clusters. We shall enhance interregional policy coordination on energy conservation, emissions reduction, and carbon mitigation, and promote cross-regional emissions trading. We shall promote coordinated protection of critical ecological barriers and corridors, and advance in a solid manner the coordinated conservation and joint management of regional air quality, transboundary water bodies, and solid/hazardous wastes. We shall leverage leading roles to collectively develop a model zone where high-level protection drives high-quality development in the Yangtze River Delta.

Jointly advancing ecological and environmental protection in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. We shall unwaveringly adhere to the principle of prioritizing large-scale protection instead of large-scale development, intensifying efforts for high-standard conservation. We shall strengthen collaboration with provinces and cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, facilitate joint construction and protection of ecological barriers as well as the coordinated development of green industries. We shall enhance ecological monitoring, protection restoration of the Yangtze River estuary, and resolutely implement the decade-long fishing ban in the Yangtze River.

Actively engaging in global ecological civilization initiatives. We shall conduct international exchanges and cooperation in climate change response, biodiversity conservation, and green low-carbon development, participate in global environmental governance and rule-making, and in promotion of the green development under the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen global ecological and environmental cooperation on the high-level open platforms.

VIII. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must study, publicize and practice Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization in depth, elevate ecological civilization awareness throughout society, stimulate endogenous drivers across society to collectively safeguard the ecological conservation and guide all members of society to consciously fulfill their obligations to protect the ecological environment

Cultivating and promoting ecological culture. We shall firmly establish the ecological civilization philosophy of respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature, deeply explore Shanghai's unique ecological and cultural resources to create more outstanding cultural works. We shall advance the development of ecological civilization education bases and fully utilize museums, exhibition halls, and other venues to widely publicize successful practices in ecological civilization construction.

Practicing green and low-carbon lifestyles. We shall actively promote simple, moderate, green, low-carbon, civilized and healthy lifestyles and consumption patterns, fully advance the "Clean Plate" campaign to resolutely curb food waste. We shall improve the full-process waste classification system and continuously enhance household waste sorting standards. We shall encourage green and low-carbon travel to increase the share of eco-friendly transportation. We shall promote green and low-carbon products, foster sustainable consumption, and legally prohibit or restrict single-use plastics while advancing reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable alternatives.

Establishing a multi-stakeholder action system. We shall develop robust public participation mechanisms for ecological civilization construction, disclose ecological and environmental information in accordance with the law to safeguard the rights of citizens, legal persons, and other organizations to engage in and oversee ecological conservation. We shall leverage the organizational and bridging roles of mass organizations such as trade unions, youth leagues, and women's federations, as well as industry associations and chambers of commerce, in advancing ecological civilization goals. We shall encourage volunteers and volunteer organizations to participate in public benefit activities and provide services supporting ecological civilization initiatives.

IX. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must deepen institutional and mechanism reforms, establish and improve support systems, coordinate resources across sectors, and pool strengths from all sides to deliver a well-coordinated suite of legal, market, technological, and policy measures.

Enhancing legal safeguards. We shall coordinate the formulation and revision of rules and regulations in ecology and environment fields, resource and energy sectors, improve the ecological and environmental protection standard system and enforce the strictest ecological and environmental governance regimes. We shall enhance administrative law enforcement in ecological and environmental protection, strengthen cross-departmental, inter-regional, and basin-wide coordinated supervision and enforcement, while reinforcing the linkage between administrative law enforcement and criminal justice. We shall strengthen public interest litigation, bolster judicial protection in ecological and environmental fields, and advance ecological and environmental damage compensation in a coordinated manner.

Promoting effective synergy between market mechanisms and government action. We shall establish and improve market-based allocation systems for resource and environmental elements such as carbon emission rights, energy-use rights, water-use rights, and pollution discharge rights, strengthen corporate environmental credit supervision mechanisms, standardize the environmental governance market, and promote environmental, social, and governance (ESG) evaluations.

Enhancing technological support. We shall intensify fundamental research and breakthroughs in core technologies for ecological and environmental protection, promote deep integration of industry, academia, research, and application to accelerate the transformation and adoption of innovations. We shall strengthen the development of key laboratories, engineering technology centers, and scientific observation stations in the ecological and environmental sector, build robust platforms for ecological and environmental R&D and technology transfer. We shall advance the application of modern information technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and large-scale models, leveraging digital tools to empower ecological civilization progress.

Improving economic policies for green and low-carbon development. We shall enhance fiscal, taxation, financial, and pricing policy support, optimize the allocation of financial resources for ecological civilization construction, implement tax incentives, enforce the environmental protection tax system, and expand green finance and transition finance, strengthen tiered electricity pricing for energy-intensive industries and other market-based mechanisms.

X. In the promotion of the construction of ecological civilization, we must uphold and strengthen the Party's overall leadership, ensure the full implementation of the Central Committee's decisions on ecological civilization construction and the work requirements of the Municipal Party Committee, thereby forging a powerful synergy across society to deepen ecological civilization progress.

We shall give full play to the coordinating, planning, guiding, and supervisory role of the municipal leading group for ecological civilization construction, implement the principle of "joint Party and government responsibility with dual accountability for each position" in ecological and environmental protection, enforce the accountability system for local Party and government officials in ecological and environmental conservation, and fulfill the responsibility lists for ecological and environmental protection tasks. We shall establish and improve a scientific and rational evaluation system, strengthen the application of assessment results, further improve the ecological and environmental inspection mechanism, leverage the role of ecological and environmental protection inspections as a sharp sword. People's governments at all levels shall enhance organizational implementation to advance all aspects of ecological civilization construction with high quality.

The standing committees of municipal and district people's congresses shall annually hear and review reports from their respective people's governments on the state of the ecological environment and the completion status of ecological and environmental protection targets, through measures such as organizing law enforcement inspections and special inquiries, strengthen supervision over the implementation of this Decision, fully leverage the role of people's congress representatives at all levels to collect and reflect public opinions and suggestions, while urging relevant parties to implement all tasks related to ecological civilization construction.

This Decision shall be effective as of September 1, 2025.