Grassland Law of the People's Republic of China

Grassland Law of the People's Republic of China

Order of the President of the People's Republic of China No.26

June 18, 1985

(Adopted at the 11th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 6th National People's Congress and promulgated by Order of the President of the People's Republic of China No. 26 on June 18, 1985)
　
Article 1 This Law is formulated in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China with a view to improving the protection, management and development of grasslands and ensuring their rational use; protecting and improving the ecological environment; modernizing animal husbandry; enhancing the prosperity of the local economies of the national autonomous areas; and meeting the needs of socialist construction and the people's life.
　
Article 2 This Law shall be applicable to all grasslands within the territory of China, including hills and lands covered with grass.
　
Article 3 The department of farming and animal husbandry under the State Council shall be in charge of administration concerning the grasslands in the whole country. The departments of farming and animal husbandry of the local people's governments at the county level and above shall be in charge of administration concerning the grasslands in their respective administrative areas.
　
Article 4 The grasslands are owned by the state, that is, by the whole people, with the exception of the grasslands that are owned by collectives in accordance with the law.
Grasslands under ownership by the whole people may be assigned to collectives for long-term use. Grasslands under ownership by the whole people, those under collective ownership, and those under ownership by the whole people that are assigned to collectives for long-term use may be contracted by collectives or individuals for pursuits in animal husbandry.
With respect to grasslands used by units under ownership by the whole people, the local people's governments at the county level or above shall register such grasslands, issue certificates to the said units after verification and thus establish their right to use such grasslands. With respect to grasslands under collective ownership and those under ownership by the whole people that are assigned to collectives for long-term use, the local people's governments at the county level shall register such grasslands, issue certificates to the collectives after verification and thus establish their right of ownership of the grasslands or their right to use them.
The right to own or use grasslands shall be protected by law and may not be infringed upon by any unit or individual.
　
Article 5 If there is a need for temporary adjustments in the use of grasslands under special circumstances, such as in the event of natural disasters, the matter shall be settled by the parties concerned through negotiation on the principles of voluntariness and mutual benefit.
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