BEIJING -- The revised Forest Law, featuring sustainable forestry development, will take effect on July 1.
The law categorizes forests into "public benefit" forests and "commercial" forests, and adopts differentiated management measures.
The public benefit forests will be rigorously protected, and the commercial forests will be managed by authorized operators in accordance with the law. The authorized operators can appropriately use the resources in commercial forests to seek economic benefits on the premise of not damaging the ecosystem, according to the law.
China's National Tree Planting Day, which falls on March 12, has been enshrined in the revised law to raise people's awareness of forest protection.
The law enhances protection for natural forests, public benefit forests, and ancient and rare trees. It also improves systems for preventing and fighting forest fires, and controlling pests.