Community-Led Efforts to Save Migratory Spotted Seals in China Coastal Waters | CBCGDF CCAfa

In February 2019, a tragic incident of wildlife poaching in Dalian, China, shocked the world. One hundred spotted seal pups were illegally captured by poachers driven by the demand for marine parks and animal exhibitions. By the time these pups were discovered, more than half had already died due to poor treatment, highlighting the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) on coastal biodiversity. This incident underscores the severe threats facing spotted seals, including not only poaching but also climate change and the degradation of nearshore ecosystems.

In response to these alarming threats, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) launched several key initiatives aimed at protecting the spotted seal population and promoting marine biodiversity conservation. Central to these efforts was the establishment of five Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) in key locations such as Beidaihe, Dalian, Lushun, Yingkou, and Panjin. These CCAs have been pivotal in involving local communities and volunteers in patrolling activities to prevent poaching and to protect the seals' habitats. By engaging those who live closest to these ecosystems, the CBCGDF has empowered coastal residents to take an active role in conservation efforts, ensuring that protection comes from within the community.

In addition to creating these CCAs, the CBCGDF has taken steps to formalize wildlife protection measures. A crucial development was the drafting of National Group Standards for the Welfare of Spotted Seals, which provide comprehensive guidelines for their protection and rescue. These standards serve as a foundation for long-term conservation strategies, ensuring that efforts are well-coordinated and scientifically informed.

Photograph: TANG Zailin @CBCGDF-CCAfa for Spotted Seals

Furthermore, CBCGDF's work extended through the Yellow Sea Grant Program (YSGP), supporting the creation of a broader network of marine protected areas in the Yellow and Bohai Seas. From 2019 to 2020, CBCGDF engaged in widespread outreach and educational campaigns across 22 conservation areas in more than 20 provinces and cities in China. These campaigns involved schools, coastal communities, and fishing villages, raising awareness of the critical importance of spotted seal conservation. Educational materials, such as the publication "Spotted Seals on the Ice," played a key role in informing the public and encouraging participation in conservation efforts.

Linda Wong, director of CBCGDF's OceanWetlands Taskforce and a member of IUCN Species Survival Committee, emphasized the importance of public engagement in these initiatives. “Raising public awareness and engaging local communities, especially fishermen, is crucial in our conservation efforts. That’s why we made it a priority to reach out to fishing villages, communities, and schools to explain the importance of protecting spotted seals," she stated. The involvement of local fishermen, who can be both witnesses to and protectors of wildlife, has been particularly critical in curbing illegal activities. Through the GEF Yellow Sea Spotted Seal Project, over a thousand volunteers have been mobilized, marking a significant step forward in conservation efforts.

The success of the GEF Yellow Sea Spotted Seal Project has been recognized in the Global Environment Facility (GEF) final project report, reflecting the substantial impact of community-based conservation efforts. The partnership between coastal communities and organizations like CBCGDF demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can lead to meaningful conservation outcomes. These actions have not only contributed to the protection of spotted seals but also to the broader goals of preserving and sustainably managing marine biodiversity.

A key example of CBCGDF’s innovative approach to biodiversity protection is its Community Conservation Areas (CCAfa) initiative. Established in 2016, this initiative, rooted in the philosophy of "Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood" (BCON), highlights the power of local communities in leading conservation efforts. As of 2024, more than 220 CCAfa sites have been established across China, playing a vital role in achieving the United Nations’ biodiversity conservation targets. These CCAs are recognized as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), showing that community-driven conservation can be an effective tool in meeting global sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Linda Wong emphasized that achieving the 30x30 target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) requires more than the current government-led protected area systems. The power of communities and the public has long been overlooked, and we hope to encourage greater participation in biodiversity conservation.

Reporter: Wendy

Editor: Sara

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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