China is likely to create a formal institution to oversee the protection of wild birds, as more and more migratory birds are falling prey to poachers, Thepaper.cn reported. Sources explained that joint conferences between relevant authorities would be a regular fixture, intended to promote superior coordination.
A total of six supervision groups will be sent to inspect protection efforts. The groups are being formed by seven ministries and administrations including the State Forestry Administration, Ministry of Public Security, State Administration for Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Transportation and Office of the Central Leading Group for Cyberspace Affairs
The group in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province has inspected 35 areas where migratory birds gather, seeking out places that are suspected to contain illegal nets and seizing two suspects as they hunted wild ducks.
Before the inspection work in Hangzhou, the group had been in eastern China's Shandong province and the city of Haining in Zhejiang province to urge local authorities to raise awareness about wild animal protection. The group warned that those found in violation of protection measures would be punished.
These visits followed a 40-day campaign across China to crack down on illegal hunting and the illegal sale of migratory birds, initiated by the forestry administration on Oct. 18. During the National Day holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, about 3,000 living birds were rescued and 5,000 dead birds found, thanks to efforts by local officials and volunteers. Clap nets stretching across over 10,000 meters in coastal areas of Tianjin Municipality and Tangshan, Hebei Province were also retrieved, Xinhua reported.
Officials said wildlife protection is not only a commitment made by China to the whole world, but also a part of China's national image.
