China's first regulation on the trade of endangered wild fauna and flora comes into effect on Sept. 1, and Chinese officials say it will be strictly enforced.

The rules cover wildlife listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). China joined the international convention in 1980.

Chen Jianwei, deputy director of the Office of State Endangered Species Trade Management, said the rules forbid trading of wildlife and related products that are banned by the convention.

Under the rules, approval from the Chinese Government is required for export and import wildlife or wildlife products for non-commercial purposes, such as scientific research, breeding, or exchanges.

Zhang Jianlong, deputy director of the State Forestry Administration, said the rules, known as the Regulations on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, will play an important role in protecting endangered species, safeguarding the ecology and help sustain the species.

Fan Xiaojian, deputy minister of agriculture, said the rules will safeguard grain and biological safety and promote sustainable development of agriculture and rural economy.

China's rich bio-diversity boasts nearly 20,000 aquatic animals and about 600 aquatic plants, and its grassland is home to about 7,000 wild plants and 10,000 animals.

The country's wildlife resources are facing unprecedented threats from fast economic and social development, said the vice-minister.

Frequent international exchanges and a rapid increase of international trade in wildlife may drain biological resources and lead to an invasion of foreign species, he warned.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture, which is in charge of management of aquatic animals and plants, will enforce the regulations.

Willem Wijnstekers, secretary-general of CITES, welcomes the new regulations as it signals new progress China has made in complying with the convention.

The regulations stipulate government departments at both central and local levels must crack down on illegal trade of the wildlife, such as the pelts of large cats and ivory, said the secretary-general.

Source: Xinhua