Control Requirements and Protective Measures of Protected Areas of Different Classes in Yardang National Geopark

I First-class protected area

I First-class protected area

First-class protected area mainly protects wind-eroded mound in alignment and with development and shape, high concentration and enormous scale, and part of wind-eroded towers and walls. Visitors are forbidden to touch and climb geological heritage in conservation areas; engineering projects unrelated to the protection of geological heritages are banned within the scope. Motor vehicles are prohibited from entering; the necessary tour footpaths and protective fence can be set up but they must be in harmony with landscape environment. They can not do damage to the geological heritage; the construction of lanes of motorized vehicles and catering facilities is not allowed in the protection zone. The protection and management system of first-class protected area is established. The responsibility to protect first-class protected area must be assigned to individuals.

II Second-class protected area

Second-class protected area is located in the periphery of first-class protected area. Yardang types at different developmental stages are mainly protected, including wind-eroded ridge, wind-eroded wall, wind-eroded tower and wind-eroded column. Sand wind is great and sunshine strong in protected areas. There exist some potential risks in the stability of Yardang body. Thus, tourism-related infrastructure can be built in the protection zones. Yet they must be coordinated with the surrounding landscape environment. With strict examination and approval, damaging construction is avoided. Motor vehicles entering this area shall be strictly regulated. Notice board shall be set up in unstable places of Yardang body. The safety of visitors in protected areas is ensured. 

III Third-class protected area

        Such geological relics as wind-eroded tower, wind-eroded column and wind-eroded monadnock in diverse forms are mainly protected in the third-class protected area. Engineering construction out of line with defensive function is not allowed to be carried out within the protected area. Mineral exploration and development activities cannot be carried out. Activities damaging geomorphologic landscape and vegetation are strictly prohibited, such as cutting into a mountain, mine exploration and land clearing. Any form of development zones shall not be established. The main protection measures include: rules and regulations is established and improved. Scientific propaganda is strengthened. Public awareness of protection is raised; effective management of resources in geological park is enhanced.