It can been seen a breathtakingly beautiful scene with endless green grass stretching to the horizon from Lunzhub County in Lhasa to Gonggar County in Shannan City, from the Yarlung Zangbo River to the Changtang Grasslands, and from the Lhunze River Valley at the northern foot of the Himalayas to the Mt. Kegula Pass at an altitude of over 5,200 meters.
Data shows that in 2024, Xizang Autonomous Region scientifically carried out land afforestation, promoted ecological protection and restoration projects in key areas, completed artificial afforestation of 1.06 million mu (approximately 70,702 hectares), and realized restoration and management of degraded grassland covering an area of 6 million mu (approximately 400,200 hectares).
"Continuously advancing large-scale land afforestation represents a bold and resolute reshaping of the ecological environment for Xizang's fragile ecology. Moreover, it brings pleasant natural landscapes, creates livable and business-friendly production and living environments, provides more habitats and breeding grounds for wildlife, and enables numerous farmers and herdsmen to earn a living from ecology. For instance, the afforestation of north and south mountains in Lhasa city employs up to 2.6 million people annually, generating an additional income of 830 million yuan through labor services," introduced Puluo, a senior engineer at the Xizang Autonomous Region Forestry Survey and Planning Institute.
According to an assessment of changes in Xizang's ecological conditions led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment based in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in 2024, the quality of water, air, soil, and the overall ecological environment in Xizang remains good based on the current effectiveness of ecological environment. The structures of various ecosystems are generally stable, with ecological quality showing a steady improvement. Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and wildlife have been effectively protected, and most areas are still in their pristine state. Currently, Xizang remains one of the regions with the best ecological environment quality in the world.
The number of black-necked cranes overwintering every year at the Lunzhub County Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve in Lhasa has also shown an increasing trend, which is a microcosm of the improving ecological environment quality in Xizang. Sonam, a resident living near the reserve, said, "The black-necked cranes are not afraid of people at all. Many times, they fly directly into our yard to look for food. We get along very well. Over the years, the environment has become better and better, and there are more and more black-necked cranes. We are very happy about it." Additionally, the populations of rare and endangered wildlife species in the region, such as Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, and black-necked cranes, have shown signs of recovery and growth as well.
"In 2024, Xizang restored and managed 6 million mu (approximately 400,200 hectares) of degraded grasslands, which not only improved the structure of the grassland ecosystem but also enhanced its productivity, providing strong support for the development of local animal husbandry. Additionally, the restoration of the grassland ecosystem helped reduce soil erosion and land desertification, safeguarding regional ecological security," said Tan Yanqing, a fourth-grade investigator at the Grassland Management Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region’s Forestry and Grassland Bureau. "By implementing degraded grassland ecological restoration and management projects, we have promoted nearby employment and income growth for farmers and herdsmen. For example, Xigaze City's Xietongmoin County invested 17.59 million yuan in grassland ecological restoration and management projects in 2024, directly increasing the income of farmers and herdsmen by 3.1662 million yuan and providing nearby employment opportunities for over 9,000 person-times.”
Regarding future development, Puluo stated, "Xizang will place greater emphasis on green and sustainable development to promote economic transformation and upgrading. By developing diversified industries such as forest tourism, forest healthcare, and under-forest planting and breeding, a virtuous cycle between economic development and ecological environmental protection will be achieved. Additionally, cooperation and exchanges with all sectors of society will be strengthened in order to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, making positive contributions to advancing ecological civilization construction."
Reporter: Wen Feng
Translator: Luo Rongting, Zhi Xinghua
Review: Drakpa Wangchen