The Chinese government has announced a five-year plan to better-protect and preserve the Great Wall of China.

Many parts of the wall have entered a state of disrepair, having been used by nearby villagers – particularly in the 20th century – as a source of stones to rebuild houses and roads, while much of the wall has been lost to tourists illegally taking pieces as souvenirs. Parts have also been demolished to make way for various construction works.

Under the new government initiative, more than 7,000km (4,350 miles) of the Great Wall in Inner Mongolia will be surveyed to identify sections which are most in danger, such as parts which have been damaged by natural disaster or are near major roads and new developments.

Inner Mongolia is home to the longest and most historically important stretch of the Great Wall, spanning 11 different periods in Chinese history dating back to fourth century BC. The regional government of Inner Mongolia wants to restore the most-damaged sections of the wall by 2020, placing priority on those with the greatest historical significance.

A 2012 report by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage stated that 22 per cent of the original Ming Great Wall has disappeared, while 1,961km (1,219m) of the overall wall has been lost. Natural elements are also an issue with erosion a constant threat in some parts due to sandstorms. Many western sections of the wall are constructed from mud, rather than brick and stone, meaning they are also susceptible to erosion.

Under the five-year plan, the government has pledged more resources to support archaeological excavation and historical research for the popular tourist attraction, but has emphasised “minimum intervention” to the UNESCO Heritage Site, adding not to “change the status quo” with opposition to building a “new Great Wall”.