BEIJING: China says most of its world natural heritage sites are in stable or improving condition, with 90% receiving good or excellent ratings from the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The figure was announced by China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration during the country's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. According to the administration, the rating is higher than the global average of 61% and the Asian average of 68%.
China currently has 15 world natural heritage sites and four mixed cultural and natural heritage sites. Together, they cover more than 80,000 sq km across 20 provincial-level regions.
The sites include a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, desert areas and coastal zones. Authorities said the conservation status of many sites has improved as China expands its protected-area system.
The administration said more than 80% of the country's natural heritage sites have carried out nature-based restoration projects. These efforts are aimed at protecting ecosystems while preserving the original character and integrity of the heritage areas.
China has also been developing its national park system as part of a broader approach to protected-area management. Officials said world natural heritage sites will be included in the monitoring framework for protected areas to improve coordination and long-term management.
Beyond conservation, authorities said local communities are being encouraged to benefit from green industries linked to heritage protection. These include ecotourism, nature study programmes and forest-related economic activities that do not damage protected areas.
The administration said it will continue improving management systems for natural heritage protection and promote more standardised oversight across heritage sites.
The announcement comes as China continues to place environmental protection and biodiversity conservation as part of its long-term development agenda.
Sources: China National Forestry and Grassland Administration, State Council Information Office, gov.cn.
