Redefining “grassland” in Grassland Law of China

doi:10.11686/cyxb2020135

Abstract

Abstract:

The current Grassland Law of China defines grassland with the words “the grassland referred to in this Law refers to natural grassland and artificial grassland”. This paper reviews the different definitions of grassland from different disciplinary perspectives， including botanical， ecological， ecosystem and human ecology considerations， and holds that the definition of ‘grassland’ in current grassland law is archaic and too narrow， both from ecological and legal viewpoints. A definition of ‘Grassland’ should at least refer to natural grassland， artificial grassland， and grassland ecosystems， including the natural environment and human activities. Morover， the definition of ‘Grassland’ needs to break through the legal relationship in traditional jurisprudence. That is， the relationship between human and nature （quasi human） will rise to a new category of legal relationship. It is pointed out that it is necessary to review the guiding ideology of Grassland Law from the perspective of the theory of ecosystem management and related legislation.

Key words: grassland, grassland law, environmental law, legislation of ecosystem management

An ZHAO. Redefining “grassland” in Grassland Law of China[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2021, 30(2): 190-198.

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