Official: Ecology of nation is 'grim', despite progress

Report calls for tougher penalties, says update of 1994 rules badly needed

China's top environmental authority has called for an update to the country's laws and regulations on the conservation of natural reserves after an intensive law enforcement effort uncovered lingering environmental violations in protected areas.

China has seen continuous improvement in its natural environment, with fewer areas plagued by pollution and other degradation. Even so, dramatic harm has been done in some areas because of mining, development and the expansion of urban and farming areas, according to a report on changes in the nation's ecological status.