China has issued a national technical standard to quantify the economic value of ecosystems, providing an official framework to measure the country's long-promoted concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

The guideline, released by the State Administration for Market Regulation, sets out standardized methods for calculating Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) for land-based ecosystems. GEP refers to the total monetary value of ecosystem goods and services generated within a given region during a specific accounting period, net of ecosystem products sourced from outside the area, and is used to assess ecosystems' contributions to economic and social development.

The standard establishes a unified technical workflow, indicator system and valuation methodology for GEP accounting, with clear requirements for data use, calculation methods and reporting formats. It is intended to provide a scientifically grounded and operationally consistent basis for ecosystem valuation nationwide, and to support the transition of ecosystem value accounting from pilot programs to institutionalized, routine application, helping translate ecological advantages into broader economic and social gains.