China's top authority for radio, film and television has formally issued a new rule to ban all film and television shootings at China's natural reserves, scenic areas and historic sites.

The new rule came in response to the increasingly disordered film and television shootings that often turned out to take place in the country's nature reserves, scenic spots or historic sites and have so far caused many substantial environmental damages.

According to the new rule issued on Wednesday by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, shooting activities will be totally prohibited in core areas of all natural reserves, scenic spots and historic sites. Crews will only be allowed to shoot on their border areas, but only on a limited basis.

The administration says film and television production companies must lodge advance applications to relevant government departments if any of them really need to shoot scenes in protected areas. They will also be supposed to restore the area they operate in to its original condition after they finish their work. The local government will also inspect concerned places onsite to make sure whether any damages have been caused.

SARFT demanded all film and television production companies make environmental protection their priority. They are required to conduct their shootings in the future in full compliance with the new rule.

SARFT also asks its relevant departments at local levels to provide trainings on the rule to film producers, directors and company heads.

Last year, director Chen Kaige's big budget film "The Promise" suffered a 90,000 yuan fine for destroying the fragile vegetation near Bigu Lake in Shangri-la in southwest China's Yunnan province.

Editor: Donald