ABSTRACT

This chapter aims to enumerate the PRC's stated policies, with regard to the protection of endangered plant and animal species and their habitats, and to describe the landscapes and populations at risk. A vice-premier of the state council heads the PRC's Leading Group for Environmental Protection. The Leading Group's members represent more than 20 departments including planning; construction; science; agriculture and forestry; industry; communications; health; education; oceanological research; and public security. Nature preserves and protected wildlife are not the highest priority issues within the environmental protection policy of the PRC. China should increase the number and variety of nature preserves and expand the areas to form a substantial national network. The series of articles that has appeared in the Chinese press introducing readers to various nature preserves and protected species of rare wildlife, may herald the establishment of new preserves.