Authorities in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region are adopting a tougher enforcement approach to grassland protection, coupling subsidy payments with strict penalties.
The China Green Times reported in early April that banners, cities and districts in the region's Hulunbuir League, had issued notices specifying dates and areas affected by seasonal grazing bans.
Violations are met with strict penalties while herders who follow the rules will receive 10.95 yuan ($1.64) per hectare, which will only be issued after inspections during the grazing ban period.
Authorities will apply both rewards and punishments, the notice said.
The regional government outlined its priorities for the year at a March news conference, pledging to build on progress made in curbing overgrazing, continue its crackdown on deforestation and grassland degradation, as well as bolster the protection of all its resources. It said that policy would shift away from favoring rewards over penalties, ensuring that both systems are clearly defined and enforced.
An order issued by Ordos city's forest chief in March made it clear that the distribution of grassland subsidies would be strictly tied to whether herders fulfill their obligations. Those who fail to follow the rules or continue illegal grazing practices would have their payments withheld.
The following month, the city's forestry and grassland bureau launched a high-tech crackdown on illegal grazing, deploying drones and cameras to monitor vast stretches of pastureland.
According to local data, 49 cases of illegal or excessive grazing were investigated between January and March, with total fines amounting to 45,400 yuan ($6,809).
In Huade county, those who practice illegal grazing face fines and could lose their subsidies.
In line with local rules, anyone caught grazing their herd in a designated no-grazing zone or during a seasonal ban can expect a fine of 120 yuan for each sheep unit.
Authorities also stipulate that if a herder is caught illegally grazing in a banned area on more than two occasions, their grassland ecological protection subsidies could be suspended. The punishment must be communicated directly to the herder and publicly posted in the village for all to see.
There is also a separate rule for grazing on land where limited, controlled grazing is allowed under the "grass-livestock balance" system. Herders who go over their allotted animal numbers will first be given a warning and a set deadline to reduce their flock. Failure to comply will result in a 100-yuan fine per excess sheep unit.
Since the national grassland subsidy project began in 2011, Inner Mongolia has steadily improved laws and regulations. Both grazing ban areas and grassland-livestock balance zones have now been mapped and digitized, according to a March China Green Times report.
To date, the region has achieved meaningful progress in sustainable grassland use, the report said.
In 2023, the region produced 75.43 million metric tons of forage, up 2.4 percent year-on-year. This has helped ease grazing pressure on natural grasslands.
According to monitoring data from 2023, the area under overgrazing warning stood at 15.6 million hectares, down by 1.16 million hectares from 2022.
In Hulunbuir, the results have been drastic, China Green Times reported. During the 2025 grazing ban period, the rate of illegal grazing dropped from 40.12 percent to 4.39 percent.
Herders have shown great understanding and support for the policy, with a shift in mindset from passive compliance to voluntary action, it added.
lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn
