Article 14 of the Law on the Protection of Wetlands: The state implements hierarchical management of wetlands, and divides wetlands into important wetlands and general wetlands according to their ecological location and area and their importance to maintaining ecological functions and biodiversity. Important wetlands include national important wetlands and provincial important wetlands, and wetlands other than important wetlands are general wetlands. According to the law, important wetlands will be included in the red line of ecological protection.
The competent forestry and grassland authorities in the State Council shall, jointly with the relevant departments of natural resources, water administration, housing and urban construction, ecological environment, agriculture and rural areas in the State Council, publish the list and scope of important national wetlands and set up protection signs. Internationally important wetlands should be included in the national list of important wetlands.
The people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government or their authorized departments are responsible for publishing the list and scope of important wetlands at the provincial level, and reporting them to the competent forestry and grassland authorities in the State Council for the record.
The list and scope of general wetlands shall be issued by the local people's governments at or above the county level or their authorized departments.