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Optimization and Upgrading of the Natural Protected Area System in Rizhao, Shandong

Source：Haibao News 11-02-2026 10:00:00

On October 29, Rizhao held a press conference on the integration and optimization of natural protected areas. Since launching this initiative in 2020, Rizhao has adhered to the principles of prioritizing conservation, seeking truth from facts, and conducting coordinated planning. It has carried out a thorough survey, resolved legacy issues, and advanced the shift of protected areas from fragmented management to systematic conservation.

Before integration and optimization, the city had 24 natural protected areas covering a total area of 1.8016 million mu (120,106.67 hectares), with problems such as overlapping boundaries. The optimization plan has been officially approved by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the People's Government of Shandong Province. Following the adjustment, there are 12 nature protected areas covering a total area of 1.43 million mu (95,333.33 hectares), including 2 provincial-level nature reserves, 5 national-level nature parks, and 5 provincial nature parks.

Local authorities have strengthened management and conservation by improving institutional guidelines, applying digital remote sensing monitoring, and conducting interdepartmental joint law enforcement. Going forward, the city will improve management institutions, accelerate boundary demarcation and marker placement, develop plans, regulate ecotourism and forest health & wellness activities, and coordinate ecological conservation with development.