China to optimize fiscal policies to promote national park construction

The State Council offered guidelines for fiscal policies in promoting the construction of national parks, to further build a natural reserve system with national parks as the mainstay, according to a circular released on Sept 29.

The circular calls for holistic conservation and systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts, strengthening top-level design and innovating the operation mechanism of fiscal funds.

By 2025, the supporting and guiding role of fiscal policies will be given full play while a fiscal security system will be basically fostered for the natural reserve system with national parks as the mainstay. By 2035, the fiscal security system will be fully improved, according to the circular.

The fiscal policies should support the protection and restoration of the ecosystem, and the establishment, operation and management of national parks.

Furthermore, scientific research on ecological protection, science popularization, and international cooperation and social participation should also be prioritized in fiscal support, the circular said.

To build a policy system for fiscal supports, the central and local fiscal powers and expenditure responsibilities should be clarified reasonably. Fiscal investment and overall planning should be enhanced, according to the circular.

An ecological protection and compensation system should be established and related tax incentives and governmental green procurement policies should be fully implemented.

A diversified fund-raising mechanism should be created, the circular said.

In addition, local governments and related departments are required to clarify responsibilities and be active in implementation, and improve relevant regulations and institutions.