Authorities announced that China has established over 10,000 protected areas at the ongoing 2019 International Alliance of Protected Areas annual meeting in Hulunbuir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on July 23.

These protected areas are of different types and have various functions, and account for 18 percent of the country's total land area, 

The areas cover major ecosystems and natural heritage and play an important role in protecting biodiversity and natural heritage.

In the past 60 years, China has built more than 10 types of protected areas including nature reserves, scenic spots, forest parks, geoparks and marine parks.

The meeting will run from July 23 until July 26. During the four days, the participants will hold discussions and field visits to some of the protected areas. 

(Top image via VCG)

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