China revises nature reserve regulations to enhance conservation

China has revised its regulations on nature reserves to promote high-quality conservation efforts, improve management systems and advance the building of a Beautiful China.

The revised regulations on nature reserves, which Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate, comprise five chapters and 48 articles, and are set to take effect on March 15, 2026.

The document clarifies the functional positioning of nature reserves, defining them as specific land or sea areas established mainly to protect typical ecosystems, habitats of rare and endangered species, and significant natural heritage sites.

It also outlines the overall requirements for their development, emphasizing prioritizing ecological conservation and coordinating conservation with development.

The updated regulations implement reforms to the management system, specifying responsibilities for supervisory authorities and management agencies.

The document also standardizes procedures for establishing nature reserves and enhances measures for their protection, including strict controls on human activities within core and buffer zones.

Furthermore, the revised regulations impose stricter legal liabilities for violations to ensure more effective conservation.