Wetlands focus of protection drive

Unveiled plan targets protecting designated areas deemed vital for sustaining a healthy environment

In a major step to improve the national ecology, the central government has promulgated a new plan to boost wetland preservation and restoration, especially natural wetlands.

By 2020, the country is targeting the preservation of no less than 53.3 million hectares of wetlands, including 46.7 million hectares of natural wetlands, according to a plan released last week by the State Council, China's cabinet.