Regulations of the People's Republic of China on nature reserves.

These Regulations are formulated with a view to strengthening the construction and management of nature reserves and protecting the natural environment and resources. The nature reserves management system consists of (a) an integrated management, performed by the competent department of environmental protection administration under the State Council, and of (b) a separate management, carried out by the competent departments of forestry, agriculture, geology and mineral resources, water conservancy, and marine affairs and other departments concerned. Chapter II states criteria and procedures for the establishment of nature reserves (submission of application, approval of range and boundaries, cancellation, etc.).
Nature reserves may be divided into three parts: (1) core area, (2) buffer zone and (3) experimental zone. The intact natural ecosystems and the areas where the rare and endangered animals or plants are distributed are included in the core area, into which no units or individuals are allowed to enter. Certain amount of area surrounding the core area may be designated as the buffer zone, where only scientific observations and other research activities are allowed. The area surrounding the buffer zone may be designated as the experimental zone. In this area various activities such as scientific experiment, educational practice, visit and investigation, tourism and the domestication and breeding of rare and endangered wild animal or plant species may be carried out.
Chapter III establishes powers and duties of the authorities in charge of the management of nature reserves. Final provisions concern offences and penalties.