November 26, 2025.
China has implemented a law to protect ancient and notable trees, which took effect on March 15, 2025. The law establishes a legal framework for conservation, resource surveys, and penalties for damage, recognizing these trees as important for biodiversity and cultural heritage. The initiative is part of China’s goal to build an ecological civilization and preserve China’s cultural identity.
China will also launch a nationwide initiative to tag and protect ancient and notable trees, reinforcing their status as “green national treasures” and “living cultural relics,” a senior official of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) said.
The move follows the enactment of China’s first national-level regulations to protect ancient and notable trees.
The law establishes a comprehensive legal framework to protect ancient and notable trees, which are considered vital for biodiversity and cultural heritage. The law aims to address the threats posed by illegal logging and inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.
Key Features of the Law
Definition of Ancient and Notable Trees
- Ancient Trees: Trees over 100 years old.
- Notable Trees: Trees with historical or cultural significance.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The law establishes guidelines for:
- Resource surveys
- Conservation efforts
- Cultural preservation
- Penalties for damage to these trees
National Survey and Statistics
A national survey conducted from 2015 to 2021 identified approximately 5.08 million ancient and notable trees in China.
Source: State Council of China, November 26 2025. https://english.www.gov.cn/…/content…
China Environment News 