China's Natural Forest Protection Program: Evolution, Impact and Challenges

HIGHLIGHTS Aone-size-fits-all’ logging ban may lead to ecological and socioeconomic issues related to sustainability. A logging ban will cause timber supply shortages. Nature-based solutions in the NFPP can combat deforestation and climate change. The productivity potential of natural forests has not been realized. Regularly updating the NFPP is a must for sustainable enviro-socio-economic development. SUMMARY In order to improve environmental conditions and the well-being of its population, China has implemented one of the world's largest ecological rehabilitation projects of the early twenty-first century: The Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP). This program aims to prevent deforestation and conserve natural forests, mainly by banning logging. With heavy central government financing, the NFPP has profound global ecological and socioeconomic impacts. While most previous studies have focused on the positive aspects of the NFPP, some negative aspects should also be examined. Chiefly, the NFPP does not fully address the untapped potential of the natural forest and the uses of this sustainable economic resource, which should be approached using nature-based solutions. Some major policy points in the NFPP, such as forest management, institutional design, diversified funding resources, and comprehensive monitoring, need revision. This study of the NFPP can provide significant insights for other countries addressing urgent environmental issues.