CITIZENS will face a fine ranging from 500 to 5,000 yuan (US$71-718) if found releasing or feeding animals in undesignated areas in parks, according to a draft of park regulations that has been published for public consideration until Oct. 17.

The Shenzhen Municipal Urban Administration and Law Enforcement Bureau formulated the draft regulations and is seeking  public suggestions via emails to ajb2@cgj.sz.gov.cn.

The draft also states a penalty for citizens who refuse to rectify their behaviors after being found violating a ban prohibiting dogs or other pets from entering parks. In addition, activities producing excessive noise will lead to a fine by the city’s public security authority, as per the draft regulations.

As of the end of 2021, Shenzhen had had a total of 1,238 parks (Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone not included). The per capital park green area reaches 12.44 square meters.

The draft regulations aim for better park management. At present, only forest and wetland parks have been included into ecological red lines, where ecological protection must be strictly ensured.

The draft regulations also include park green lands into ecological green lines, extending legal ecological protection to parks of various types. The daft will also ensure enough park areas and encourage idle land lots to be developed into temporary parks.

The draft stipulates that a mechanism for protecting historic sites and famous scenic spots should be set up and that parks should be off-limits to programs and facilities that are unrelated to the function of park.

Anyone who flies a drone in a park in violation of regulations will face a fine between 1,000 and 5,000 yuan if he or she refuses to heed the warning of park management.

(Wang Jingli)