The Development of China's Nature Reserves

The establishment of nature reserves is the most effective means of   in situ conservation . It has been more than 40 years since the first designation of nature reserve in China in 1956. 

The Regulation on Nature Reserves of China was promulgated by the State Council on Oct. 9, 1994, with 5 chapters and 44 articles.

As of the end of 2006, China had established a total of 2395 nature reserves with total area reaching 157.54 million hectares ( Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao are not included), 15.16% of the total territory. Among these reserves, 265 are at national level. The nature reserves in China are more and more recognised in the world. 26 natural reserves have joined the World Man and Biosphere Protected Area Network, including Changbai Mountain, Wolong, Dinghu Mountain, Fanjing Mountain, Shennongjia, Wuyi Mountain, Bogeda Peak, Xilingele, Yancheng, Xishuangbanna, Tianmu Mountain, Maolin, Fenglin, Jiuzhaigou, Nanji Islands, Shankou, Huanglong, Gaoligong Mountain and Baishui River. 27 protected areas have been listed in the Inventory of Wetland of International Importance, including Zhalong, Xianghai, East Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake, Bird Island, Dongzhai Harbor and Mipu. 14 natural reserves, including Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are listed in the World Natural Heritages. A national network of in situ conservation has preliminarily formed. About 85% of terrestrial ecosystems, 40% of natural wetlands, 20% natural forests, 85% of wild faunas, 65% of higher plants, and especially most of the national key rare and endangered species have been given better protection in the China.

Table   China's nature reserves development