China steps up legislative efforts to protect ancient and rare trees

(ECNS) -- China’s first draft regulation on the protection of ancient and rare trees was approved by the State Council on Friday.

A three-tiered protection system will be implemented. Ancient trees over 500 years old will receive the highest level protection while those aged between 300 and 500 years will be under first-level protection and those aged between 100 and 300 years will be under second-level protection.

Under the regulation, individuals found guilty of unauthorized felling, transplanting, selling or transporting of ancient and rare trees may face fines of up to 1 million yuan ($136,500).

In recent years, several provinces such as Sichuan, Hunan, and Hainan have introduced measures to protect ancient and rare trees.

Since March 2022, construction companies in Hunan Province must bear the costs of restoration and maintenance if their projects cause any damage to ancient and rare trees.

Hainan issued its local regulation on Nov. 1, 2013. According to data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the province is home to 17,864 ancient and rare trees, showcasing its rich green resources.

In addition, Shaanxi is a major province for ancient and rare trees, with a total of 727,300 such trees, including 715,900 in 271 ancient tree clusters. Notably, all five of China’s ancient trees over 5,000 years old are located in the province.

The regulation defines ancient trees as those over 100 years old and rare trees as those with significant historical, cultural, or scientific value. An ancient tree cluster refers to a group of more than 10 ancient trees growing close together in a specific area, forming a unique habitat.