By Wu Ping, Research Institute of Resources and Environment Policies of DRC

Research Report No 171, 2015 (Total 4856)

Abstract:

The protected area management and classification system proposed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an essential reference for each nation to manage protected areas. IUCN classifies protected areas into six types, in which national parks fall into the category of Type II and aim at protecting large-area ecosystems with educational and recreational functions. On the one hand, IUCN sets up a system of common rules in respect of the definition, characteristics, management goals, and functional orientations of national parks. On the other hand, IUCN provides rich experience for practices of establishing national parks as a type of protected areas. China's establishment of national parks not only calls for connection with the IUCN protected area system, but should also take into account integration of and coordination with current protected areas. The IUCN rule system and governance practices regarding national parks have offered enlightenments for China in terms of transforming the protected area system in a scientific way, making clear management goals and criteria, setting up special protected areas of national parks, establishing protected areas according to democratic and open procedures, specifying national park property rights, as well as realizing multifaceted governance and effective management of national parks.