Beijing's ecological 'red line' accounts for 26.1 pct of urban area

2018-07-16

Beijing announced on July 12 that it has drawn 4,290 square kilometers, or 26.1 percent of the city's administrative region, into ecological "red line" zones under mandatory and rigorous protection.

According to the city's plan, the "red line" zones lie mainly in the western and northern mountainous areas, covering various nature reserves, scenic areas, forest parks, geological parks and wetlands.

The demarcated zones, based on each of their conditions, are designed to realize several functions including conserving water and soil, maintaining biodiversity, and preserving major rivers and wetlands.

According to a document issued by the central authorities last year, the ecological "red line" serves as both a "bottom line" and a "lifeline" in safeguarding national ecological safety.

The municipal government says it will facilitate legislation, clarify duties and responsibilities of related departments, and improve monitoring, assessment and incentive measures to ensure implementation of the "red line" strategy.

China.org.cn