According to the Measures for the Implementation of the Regulations on the Protection of Paleontological Fossils (Article 28), the collection scope of paleontological fossil collection units at all levels is as follows:
Units collecting fossil species naming pattern specimens shall meet the collection conditions of Grade A fossil collection units.
Units that focus on the first-class protection of paleontological fossils other than the collection model specimens shall meet the collection conditions of paleontological fossil collection units above Grade B. ..
Units that collect second-class and third-class key protected paleontological fossils shall meet the collection conditions of paleontological fossil collection units above grade C.
Special supplement, except the following circumstances:
◆ Museums (exhibition halls) set up in the origin of paleontological fossils and geological parks need to collect locally excavated paleontological fossils due to popular science propaganda.
In order to meet the needs of scientific research and teaching, paleontological fossil research institutions and institutions of higher learning keep paleontological fossils in the specimen bank.
◆ Other circumstances specified by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
From the above analysis, it can be seen that, except for special circumstances, the first-level collection unit has the widest collection range, and can collect fossils from second-and third-level units. The definition of the collection scope also provides a legal basis for the customs to hand over fossils and circulating fossils.
According to the Regulations on the Protection of Paleontological Fossils (Article 20), a collection unit of paleontological fossils shall meet the following conditions:
● Having a fixed museum site, a special exhibition hall and a collection storage place of corresponding area;
There are a corresponding number of paleontology professionals or related technicians with relevant scientific research achievements;
● There are technologies, processes and equipment to prevent natural destruction of paleontological fossils;
● Fire prevention and anti-theft facilities and equipment are complete, and the security management system is perfect;
● Have the funds needed to maintain normal operation.
According to the collection conditions, the collection units of paleontological fossils implement hierarchical management, which is divided into three grades: A, B and C.
The grade of fossil collection units shall be assessed by the National Expert Committee on Fossils, and the assessment shall be conducted regularly.
How can museums collect paleontological fossils? In order to meet the actual collection needs of collection units, Article 23 of the Implementation Measures sorts out the collection methods of key protected paleontological fossils.
There are four main ways:
The first is to explore according to law. Mining according to law includes not only the use of machinery approved by the land and resources management department, but also the sporadic collection of notification procedures according to law;
Second, transfer, exchange and gift according to law. Collection units may transfer, exchange and give away key protected paleontological fossils for circulation, but they shall go through the examination and approval procedures according to law. Individuals can also donate their legally collected key protected paleontological fossils to qualified collection units;
The third is to accept entrusted custody and display. Individuals or units can negotiate to entrust their legally collected paleontological fossils to collection agencies for safekeeping and display;
The fourth is the designated collection by the land and resources management department. Designated collections mainly include fossils confiscated by public security, industry and commerce administration, customs and other departments, as well as fossils recovered overseas through diplomatic channels. This kind of fossil, the land and resources management department can designate a collection unit that meets the collection conditions for collection.
In this case, museums cannot buy fossils illegally excavated by others, and those who illegally collect specially protected fossils will be confiscated and fined less than 30,000 yuan. Museums can enrich their fossil exhibits through transfer, exchange, gift, donation, entrusted custody, display and other legal means.