

The Great Wall is one of the ten pilot programs for the national park system. [Photo: baidu.com]
China Tuesday unveiled the overall plan for establishing its new national park system.
"This marks the completion of the top-level design of the national park system, and the beginning of the next stage of substantial construction" said Wang Yi, deputy head of the Institute of Science and Development at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
By 2020, the country will finish pilot programs for establishing national parks, according to the plan.
The country's national parks will follow the principle of "ecological protection first", the plan said.
The national parks will be authorized by the central government and implemented by government-led management.
Aiming mainly to protect China's large natural ecosystems, the national parks will be set up in specific land, marine and ocean areas to achieve a combination of ecological protection and sustainable development.
The country has set up 10 pilot programs for the national park system, covering topics including the Sanjiangyuan (the source of China's three major rivers), giant panda habitats and the Great Wall.
National parks are one of the most important types of protected natural areas and will be managed according to a red line system.
China has ordered all its provinces and regions to establish an ecological "red line" that will declare designated regions under mandatory and rigorous protection.
The overall plan for establishing a national park system was jointly published by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses