The local forestry department is continuing its efforts in the construction of Shennongjia National Park in Hubei province amid the COVID-19 epidemic and promoting green development through eco-protection.

Shennongjia National Park in Central China's Hubei province — the hardest-hit region by the novel coronavirus on the Chinese mainland— has achieved most of its construction goals, a local official revealed on Tuesday.

"The park now has a management system and the protection law. It also owns a think tank that will better assist its construction and future development," said Liu Qijun, head of the Shennongjia Forestry District.

In 2016, the State Council approved a proposal to establish a pilot for the national park system, which is scheduled to be officially inaugurated in 2020.

As one of the country's 10 pilot national parks, Shennongjia National Park was built in 2016 and is now under the management of Hubei provincial government.

The park is divided into four regions. Of them, the core protective area and ecosystem conservation area take up more than 90 percent of the park's total area, according to Liu.

So far, Liu said, nearly 500 local families have been relocated from the protection area in the park and the government has assisted them in making greater incomes through other green industries, including eco-friendly tourism.

"To better protect local wildlife, we've investigated the habit and population of wild animals and have started the construction of wild animal corridors in the park. Now, a total of 25 corridors have been built," he said.

Moreover, the district also encourages experts and scholars to exchange experiences to better manage the park, according to Liu.

So far, the park has built a partnership with 17 other parks in China and five parks overseas. Also, it has cooperative relationships with experts from 29 universities both at home and abroad.

"We will make further efforts and bring green benefits to local people through eco-protection," Liu said.