Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, has adopted stricter measures to protect local vegetation and to punish those who violate relevant regulations.

In the past, the fine imposed for cutting down a tree was 50,000 yuan (about US$6,000), and this figure is expected to be increased to between one and ten million yuan (US$1.2 million) in the near future, according to the city's new regulations on urban afforestation recently adopted by the city's people's congress.

Bi Pinwen, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Kunming City People's Congress, said that, as a city with a long history, Kunming, also known as "Spring City", is home to a great number of valuable trees, some of which are valued at several million yuan.

According to the new regulations, those who randomly cut or relocate trees will be fined three to five times the value of the trees.

Kunming has the goal of becoming a garden city. According to its plan, the vegetation coverage rate will be a minimum of 40 percent in the city proper, and the per capita green space in parks will be a minimum of 10 sq m.

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2003)