Ministry of Environmental Protection 1 Moon 9 A video conference was held in Beijing to implement the reform plan for the system of compensation for ecological and environmental damage. The conference aims to fully put into practice the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and vigorously advance the reform of the system for compensating for ecological and environmental damage.

　　The meeting held that advancing the reform of the ecological and environmental damage compensation system is a concrete practice for thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and also an important component of the reform of the ecological civilization system. The issuance of the “Reform Plan for the Ecological and Environmental Damage Compensation System” (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”) marks the transition of the reform from the pilot phase to a new stage of nationwide trial implementation. We must plan and advance the reform of the ecological and environmental damage compensation system from an even higher starting point, taking as the core the principle that those responsible for ecological and environmental damage should bear their due responsibilities and focusing on promptly restoring the damaged ecosystems. We must accelerate the implementation of the “Plan” and carry the reform through to the very end.

　　The meeting pointed out that the “Plan” summarizes the experiences of Jilin and other regions... 7 Pilot experience from the reform of the provincial and municipal ecological environment damage compensation system—inheritance 2015 Based on the basic framework of the 2021 “Pilot Program for Reforming the System of Compensation for Ecological and Environmental Damage,” certain contents have been adjusted and supplemented. To effectively implement the “Program,” it is crucial to grasp the following four new provisions and requirements: The scope of compensation claimants has been expanded from provincial-level governments to city- and prefecture-level governments. ( Including district- and county-level governments under the jurisdiction of municipalities directly under the central government. ) Authorize local authorities to further specify the concrete circumstances under which compensation claims may be initiated; stipulate that compensation negotiations serve as a prerequisite for litigation; and clarify further the relationship between ecological and environmental damage compensation lawsuits brought by local people's governments and public interest environmental lawsuits brought by legally designated entities such as social organizations and the People's Procuratorates. Effectively manage the “three relationships”: the vertical relationship between provincial and city-level people's governments, between central business guidance departments and local people's governments; the horizontal relationship among relevant departments; and the relationship between this “Plan” and existing laws and regulations.

　　The meeting emphasized that, in the next step, the Ministry of Environmental Protection will work with relevant departments to promote the formulation of implementation plans across various regions in three phases: initiation, organization and implementation, and in-depth implementation. 2018 Year 6 Before the end of the month, establish a leading group for reform, clearly define the personnel and workflows for the rights holders of compensation as well as their designated relevant departments or agencies, issue the implementation plan for reform in this administrative region, and further clarify the scope of application for compensation for ecological and environmental damage. 2018 Year 7 After the month, actively take measures to carry out work on compensation for ecological and environmental damage, while also ensuring the formulation and implementation of supporting documents. 2020 In the years to come, we will deepen efforts to address compensation for ecological and environmental damage, promote relevant parties in drafting and revising related laws, regulations, and policies, and further guide local reform practices.

　　The meeting pointed out that the Ministry of Environmental Protection will focus on three key areas of work: First, provide strong guidance and ongoing supervision for the reform efforts. In collaboration with relevant departments such as the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry will help address challenges encountered by localities during the pilot phase and include progress in the reform of the ecological and environmental damage compensation system within the scope of central environmental inspections. Second, strengthen technical support for ecological and environmental damage compensation. The Ministry will continue to refine the technical framework for environmental damage identification and assessment, and develop technical standards for areas such as soil and groundwater assessment, characterization of pollutants, and equivalence analysis methods for substitutes. Together with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry will further enhance the construction of the national database of experts for the registration and evaluation of environmental damage forensic institutions, and provide guidance to promote the establishment of local databases. Third, actively advance related legislative efforts and establish fundamental rules for ecological and environmental damage compensation.

　　The meeting also heard briefings on the background and key contents of the “Plan.” Relevant officials from three provinces and cities—Shandong, Chongqing, and Guizhou—shared their pilot experience. Officials from the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, as well as from the Ministry of Justice and the National Health and Family Planning Commission, attended the meeting and delivered remarks. Also in attendance were responsible officials from the Legal Committee of the National People’s Congress, the Environmental and Resource Protection Committee of the NPC, the Legislative Affairs Office of the NPC Standing Committee, the Ministry of Finance, and the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council. Representatives from the National Registry and Review Expert Pool for Judicial Appraisers of Environmental Damage Compensation (the National Pool) also participated in the meeting.