Any fossil regulation should be designed to promote scientific research and public scientific awareness, a leading Chinese scientist told Xinhua Saturday.

Zhou Zhonghe, executive director of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), made the remarks in response to a newly-drafted regulation aimed at better protecting China’s animal and plant fossils and curbing fossil smuggling.

The Ministry of Land Resources (MLR), together with the State Council Legislative Affairs Office, drafted the new regulation and started in March to invite, via the Internet, public comments and suggestions. Read more…