Efforts to ensure conservation won't affect people, businesses

Second review of draft National Park Law requires more necessary measures

China plans to bolster support for national parks in an effort to balance conservation and development, according to a draft law presented to the country's top legislative body on Saturday.

The draft National Park Law, undergoing a second review by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, calls for measures to address the impact of conservation efforts on local residents and businesses. It also mandates assessments and solutions during the early stages of establishing national parks, according to the draft.

Wang Xiang, spokesman for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, said the initial draft, submitted in September, considered how ecological conservation could affect local livelihoods. Provisions included allowing necessary production activities within national parks and ensuring proper resettlement for relocated residents.