China's National Park on the way
Zhuang Yuying
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China has released a mechanism regarding the establishment of nature reserves in which national parks are a major component.

To date, there are 10 pilot national parks in China, covering some 220,000 square kilometers.

Amur leopard. /Photo courtesy of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA)

Amur leopard. /Photo courtesy of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA)

“The position and function of national park will be reflected on its quality and value, instead of quantity," said Tang Xiaoping, deputy director of the National Park Management Office.

He further introduced three standards for national park: national representation, ecological importance, and administrative practicability.

A press conference by the NFGA. /CGTN Photo

A press conference by the NFGA. /CGTN Photo

Ecological protection, of which national park is a typical example, has been the first priority to China and other countries such as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Yellowstone National Park released a series of major strategic priorities earlier this year, including strengthening ecosystem and delivering a world class visitor experience. /VCG Photo

Yellowstone National Park released a series of major strategic priorities earlier this year, including strengthening ecosystem and delivering a world class visitor experience. /VCG Photo

“(The focus on ecological protection) is determined by China's special conditions," Tang mentioned.

China has a large population, and human activity will affect natural ecology.

Besides, China's national parks are not built from nowhere. By the end of 2018, China established nearly 12,000 nature reserves at different levels.

According to Tang, the national parks will be managed solely and directly by the government.

(Cover image via VCG)

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