Natural reserves under scrutiny

The State Forestry and Grassland Administration is launching a nationwide inspection of China's natural reserves with a view to punishing illegal actions, rectifying problems in the protected areas and preserving them to build a better ecosystem.

The inspection, starting this month, will cover all natural reserves in the country, a top official from the administration said on Thursday.

State natural reserves, state scenic spots, national forestry parks, wetland parks, geological parks, marine parks and natural heritage will receive more attention, with natural reserves along the Yangtze River, in the Pearl River Delta and in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei among key areas.