NFGA Tightens the Use of Woodland to Build Wind Farm Projects

The National Forestry and Grassland Administration ("NFGA") has recently distributed the Circular on Regulating the Use of Woodland to Build Wind Farm Projects (the "Circular") which has taken effect immediately from the date of issuance and will remain valid till February 28, 2024.

The Circular reads that: 1. A full understanding of the significance of regulating the use of woodland to build wind farms must be gained; 2. Building wind farms is banned in certain woodland areas; 3. A limited scope of woodland that could be used to construct wind farms is defined; 4. Construction of roads to wind farms and administration of land for temporary use shall be strengthened; and 5. Guidance on and supervision of the use of woodland to build wind farms shall be enhanced. Among others, the Circular expressly states that, woodland with significant ecological functions and in ecologically vulnerable regions shall be strictly protected, adding that building wind farms is banned in such regions as natural heritage sites and national parks, as well as in main shelterbelts and forest belts helpful in resisting strong waves in coastal areas. Moreover, the Circular requires that woodland shall be used intensively and economically in building wind farms. All levels of competent authorities of forestry and grassland shall conduct regular inspections, and severely and lawfully crack down upon violations related to wind farms, including the occupation of woodland ahead of an approval and the occupation of woodland larger than the approved size.



(Source: http://www.forestry.gov.cn/main/72/20190228/161907769383078.html)

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