A giant panda is seen at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in 2016.[File photo/Xinhua]

Yang said that in the past, many departments were involved in the management of natural resources. There have been various types of protection zones but many lack effective management.

An overall plan for the development of China's national parks released in September by the central leadership stipulates that there will be a new department to manage the natural assets. It will conduct the strictest protection measures, such as not allowing construction or exploitation of resources.

"It'll regulate the management and perform efficient protection for the nature reserves," said Su Yang, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.