Protection of the Eco-System a Priority in China

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

 ◆ Protection of the Eco-System a Priority in China

China announced Tuesday that protection of the eco-systems of forests, deserts and wetlands are priorities in the country's drive to protect its natural legacy during the next 50 years.

More nature reserves will be built and about one fifth of the country is to be turned into a haven for wildlife and plants.

An official with the State Forestry Administration said that 58 new nature reserves are to be set up, while work on the existing 72 nature reserves will be increased, so that the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate-zone eco-systems of forests will be better protected.

In the meantime, another 28 new nature reserves will also be established to protect shrubs and the eco-diversity of desertlands.

Efforts are already being made to improve the existing 30 desertland nature reserves and to increase scientific research in this area.

In its drive to protect wetland-based eco-systems, China is establishing 160 new wetland-based nature reserves and is stepping up the establishing of the 140 wetland-based state and provincial nature reserves. It is also keen to have a number of model zones,including mangrove wetlands along the south China coast.

The official added that China has now set up 50,300 smaller nature reserves in the country's densely populated southern areas and will construct another 497,000 more nature reserves for the efficient protection of eco-diversity and habitats of rare and endangered animals and plants.(Xinhua News Agency)(12/19/2001)