Forestry authorities have built 763 nature reserves across the country in the past three years, a number equal to 80 percent of all the reserves built in the country by 2000 and a remarkable leap forward for China's environmental protection efforts. China began building reserves in 1956.

According to State Forestry Administration Vice Director Zhao Xuemin, the nature reserves provide protection for 85 percent of wild animal species, 65 percent of high-level botanic species, and 20 percent of the natural forests in China.

Speaking at a national conference on the creation and management of nature reserves held by the administration in Beijing on Wednesday, Zhao said that there are now 1,672 nature reserves under the management of forestry authorities at all levels, accounting for 84 percent of the total number of reserves in the country. The remainder are handled by other government bodies, such those administering agriculture, oceans or the environment.

The authorities plan to establish additional nature reserves in the coming years, especially in wetland areas. Nearly 60 percent of the country's natural wetlands still lack effective protection.

Forestry authorities hope to build another 128 reserves by 2010, with the number reaching 2,500 by 2050.

But Xie Yan, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said authorities should focus on rational management of nature reserves rather than simply increased numbers. She stated that the management system for these areas is not yet good enough.

Local economic development frequently clashes with nature conservation, creating critical problems. Xie suggested that the country set up a complete management system for protected areas that includes both strict protection and reasonable uses of resources where possible.

Also on Wednesday, the Beijing Forestry University announced the establishment of China's first nature reserve school. The school is expected to help fill the need for professionals in this field.

(China Daily December 23, 2004)