In a recent interview, representatives from the Management Bureau of the Yading National Nature Reserve and the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area unveiled a significant new policy in response to recent incidents of unauthorized access to protected locations.
On October 7, 2024, the authorities issued a joint statement announcing a lifetime ban on eight individuals, including a 40-year-old man named Wang, preventing them from entering both the Yading National Nature Reserve and the surrounding scenic area for any kind of tourism or activities. This action aligns with the regulations set forth in the “Natural Reserves Regulations of the People’s Republic of China.”
The incidents leading to this ban occurred on October 2, when the banned individuals ignored clear warnings and illegally entered undeveloped areas of the Yading Scenic Area, specifically the core and buffer zones of the national reserve. During their unauthorized visit, they damaged resources at a service station after hours, intensifying the consequences of their actions.
Additionally, a separate group of five individuals, aged between 26 and 31, also defied multiple warnings from staff and engaged in unauthorized hiking in restricted areas, underscoring the seriousness of their violations.
In response to these actions, authorities emphasized the critical need for compliance with protective regulations designed to preserve the environment and ensure visitor safety. They highlighted the challenges posed by the area’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, which can complicate rescue operations in emergencies. Authorities are urging outdoor enthusiasts to respect natural resources and prioritize their safety by refraining from illegal activities in protected areas.
