In order to rationally utilize various biological resources, many scholars have proposed some methods to protect biological resources and enable them to be used sustainably. For example, "Mencius" has some understanding of the natural regeneration ability of forests, and states: "If a pound of ax enters the forest in time, the wood will be useless."

The important characteristic of biological resources is that they can be regenerated and renewed. Mature forest communities, as long as they are not frequently and excessively logged, can withstand a certain amount of selective logging and recover quickly. This famous saying in "Mencius" advocates the rational use of resources and already cares about the ecological balance of the forest.

Xun Kuang also proposed that "the time should not be lost when cutting down and raising trees", "When the vegetation is flourishing and growing, the ax cannot enter the forest, it will not die young, and it will not stop its growth." Further elucidates the resource protection thought in "Mencius".

With the gradual improvement of people's understanding, a set of officials and systems for the management and protection of biological resources were gradually formed and improved during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. At the end of the Warring States Period, "Lu Shi Chun Qiu Shan Nong" put forward a relatively complete legal concept and formulated some appropriate measures in the form of monthly orders.

For example: in the first month, logging is prohibited; in February, there is no burning of mountains and forests; in March, no mulberry trees are cut down; in April, no big trees are cut down; in May, the people are not allowed to cut blue for dyeing; in June, the trees are in full bloom. The people of Yu were ordered to go into the mountains to walk trees, but they could not cut down the trees, and they could not do earthwork. In September, when the vegetation yellowed and fell, it was necessary to cut down the firewood and turn it into charcoal.

These discussions stipulate specific methods for protecting biological resources in each month, so as to make good use of resources in a planned way. It may be a synthesis of environmental etiquette and laws related to environmental protection during the Warring States Period, and was further popularized.