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Abstract Ecological connectivity is the key to achieving the “3030 Target” for global biodiversity conservation. China's latest biodiversity conservation strategy also calls for the enhancement and promotion of ecological connectivity. The legal concept of ecological connectivity has been established under the framework of multilateral treaties， but the relevant legal principles and institutional mechanisms are still in formation. Ecological connectivity conservation should take into account of both the precautionary principle and the use of the best available science to maintain a balance between the efficiency of taking measures and scientific uncertainty； follow the ecosystem approach or ecosystem-based management to grasp the dynamic changes and complexity of ecosystems； and adopt the principle of good governance to build a new dimension of social relations for biodiversity conservation at both the national and international levels. The legal mechanisms for ecological connectivity conservation are concerned with establishing ecological protection networks， cross-border cooperation， and ecological security risk prevention， which are reflected to some extent in domestic laws. The legislation of foreign countries on ecological connectivity is becoming active. The existing legislative examples reveal that there is no unified paradigm in this field， but legislation at the national level is indispensable. In China， the legal needs for restoring and enhancing ecological connectivity have been noted in laws on the ecological environmental protection of river basins and regions， as well as in some specific laws on biodiversity conservation， but there is a lack of formal legal expression. Based on the existing regulatory framework and legislative planning， incorporating ecological connectivity into China's legal system should firstly conform to the macro-framework of biodiversity conservation legislation. Secondly， we can take advantage of the legislative opportunity of the National Parks Law to introduce the legal concept of ecological connectivity and some essential rules. Finally， the institutional gap can be bridged by special legislation on ecological corridors.
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Received: 30 May 2025
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2025, Vol. 64 
