Subscribe to free Email Newsletter

Article 17 The responsible section of the environmental protection of the State Council shall work with the responsible natural reserves section of the State Council on the investigation and evaluation of the situation of the natural environment and natural resources, draft out the development plan for the national natural reserves balanced by the planning section of the State Council and ask for approval from the State Council.

The management or the responsible administrative section of natural reserves shall draft the construction plan for natural reserves in compliance with the national, local or sectional investment plan, and then carry it out.

Article 18 The regulation divides the natural reserves into a core zone, buffer zone and experimental zone.

Areas with eco-system or concentration areas of precious and endangered wild fauna and flora species that are intact shall be listed as a core zone, where no agency or individual is allowed to tread. Apart from situations approved by Article 27 of this regulation, no scientific research activity is permitted in these areas.

Scientific research activity can only be conducted in the buffer zone, located outside the core zone.

Outside the buffer zone is the experimental zone where activities, such as scientific experiments, teaching practice, visits and surveys, domestication and breeding of precious and endangered wild fauna and flora species, are allowed.

The people's government that approves the establishment of natural reserves can designate a certain area as an outer protection zone when necessary.

 Chapter III Management of Natural Reserves

Article 19 The technical standards of the management of natural reserves shall be organized by the responsible environmental protection section of the State Council and be drawn up by the relevant natural reserves sections.

The responsible natural reserves section of the State Council can take the charge separately according to different duties, formulate various technical standards of natural reserves management and report to the responsible environmental protection section of the State Council for records.

Article 20 The responsible environmental protection sections above the county level are authorized to supervise the natural reserves under their administration. The responsible natural reserve sections of the people's government above the county level are authorized to supervise the natural reserves of which they are in charge. The supervised units shall report the accurate situation and provide the necessary information. The supervisor shall keep confidential the technical and commercial data from the supervised units.

Article 21 National natural reserves are administrated by the responsible natural reserves section of the people's government of the province, municipality or the autonomous regions, or by the relevant responsible natural reserves of the State Council. Local natural reserves are administrated by the responsible natural reserves section of the people's government above the county level.

Article 22 Major duties of the administrative bureau of natural reserves:

Carrying out laws, regulations and policies related to the protection of nature;

Stipulating management regulations on natural reserves and coordinating specific a management for natural reserves;

Exploring natural resources and setting up files, organizing environmental supervision, protecting the natural environment and natural resources in natural reserves;