HAMPERED ACTION
In 2006, a regulation on Great Wall protection was released, however, the sheer size of the structure made it difficult to enforce.
Dong Yaohui, vice head of China Great Wall Society, said: "As much of the Great Wall is in the wild it is impossible to ensure intensive protection.
"Local authorities lack the money and labor to preserve the whole structure."
In Funing County, a stretch of around 140 kilometers is managed by nine people. In Zhangjiakou, the wall passes through many impoverished counties whose governments have more pressing priorities. Many sections of the wall, particularly in border areas between provinces, are neglected.
Some well-meaning, but poorly informed officials have taken it upon themselves to restore parts of the wall without staying true to the original character of the structure. A county government in Shandong Province even repaired a 2,000 meter section, which dated back to between 770 BC and 476 BC, in a "modern Ming style", Dong said.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
"We should not solely rely on local cultural relic departments to protect our national heritage," Dong said. "Besides more investment, central and local governments should bring in private capital and encourage local people to get involved."
Moreover, as the Great Wall is a large structure running through 11 provinces, regions and municipalities, a holistic conservation approach should be taken, and a systematic protection plan must be drawn up, which defines and coordinates the obligations of different provinces and governmental departments, Dong said.
Liu Zhimin, official of cultural heritage bureau of Hebei, suggested that each section of the wall should be evaluated before any repair or construction work.
Additionally, Dong noted: "Only about 1 percent of the Great Wall has been developed into tourist sites, these sections are in much better shape than the 'wild' parts," he said.
"After development, authorities can better supervise the behavior of tourists and adopt more efficient preservation measures," he said.
