Draft law revision strengthens protection of wildlife habitats

BEIJING -- A draft Chinese law revision has proposed strengthening the protection of wildlife habitats, stipulating responsibilities of governments at different levels in the conservation work.

The draft revision to the Law on the Protection of Wildlife was submitted on Tuesday to the National People's Congress Standing Committee for a second reading.

Governments at or above the provincial level shall designate important wildlife habitats as parts of national parks and other protected areas, to protect, restore and improve the living environment of wild animals, says the draft.

Governments at or above the county level shall evaluate the impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitats when making development plans, to prevent or reduce possible adverse consequences, it says.