The State Council has approved adjustments to the coverage of four national nature reserves, through a circular issued on April 2.

The four natural reserves are East Dongting Lake in Hunan province, Jinfo Mountain in Chongqing municipality, Baima Snow Mountain in Yunnan province, and Mount Qomolangma, also known as Everest, in Tibet autonomous region.

According to the circular, the adjusted size, coverage and function of each natural reserve will be announced by the Ministry of Environment Protection.

Related regions and authorities are required to clarify the land ownership of each newly adjusted reserve and set their boundaries according to the approved plans. They are also urged to strengthen leadership, supervision and coordination in the areas to build them into high-standard state-level natural reserves.

Administration of nature reserves should also be coordinated with local economic development and people’s production and living, the circular added.