KUNMING -- The southwestern province of Yunnan has passed a regulation protecting local biodiversity.

The regulation, passed by the fifth session of the Standing Committee of the 13th People's Congress of Yunnan Province, is the first local regulation in China on biodiversity protection.

The regulation, effective on Jan. 1, 2019, stipulates that a government-guided system should be established to protect biodiversity in ecosystems, species and genes.

It also details a series of lists on endangered species and urges efforts to protect rare species. Special attention should be given to distinctive species in Yunnan, according to the regulation.

It also prohibits anyone or any organization from introducing alien species into the wild without authorization.

Yunnan is a Chinese province with a variety of animals and plants and one of the 34 areas in the world where biodiversity is threatened.