Abstract:Biological resources are strategic resources to support the sustainable development of national economy and guarantee people's health. They are also the momentous cornerstone of the development of life science, and the hotspot of international layout and competition. Developed countries have attached importance to the collection, preservation and utilization of biological resources. As one of the most species-rich countries in the world, Chinese government has drew out effective measure to support development of strategic biological resources. Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has established the Biological Resources Programme, CAS (BRPCAS) by integrating Botanical Gardens, Biological Specimen Collections, Laboratory Animal Resources, Biological Genetic Resource Banks and China Biodiversity Observation and Research Network, CAS aims at enhancing the comprehensive ability of collection, preservation, evaluation, transformation and sustainable utilization of biological resources in China, and providing strong scientific and technological supports for the sustainable development of economy and society. Nevertheless, it is still noteworthy that due to the late initiation step in China, during the protection and utilization of biological resources, China still confronts various serious challenges, and the effective protection and sustainable utilization of strategic biological resources remain to be reinforced.