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Ecological projects on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

26.09.2016

In 2016, Plateau Perspectives (PP) has been implementing several ecological projects in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, China. These projects - including environmental conservation, monitoring rare species such as the snow leopard and supervising changes of lakes and glaciers on the plateau - have helped to raise awareness about environmental issues and protecting wild animals.

Known as the common source regions of the Yangtze, Yellow and Mekong Rivers, with a significant conservation value to China and to the whole world, Yushu has been one of the main project areas of PP, one of the international non-profit organizations in Qinghai. Beginning with medical, educational, and product-selling assisting projects, PP has carried out many projects since 2006 to promote ecological protection and sustainable development among local nomads.

In 2016, the projects of PP in Yushu were mainly concentrated in the Kegawa area of Duocai Township, Zhiduo County, a part of the Yangtze River Source Region with glaciers, wetlands and lakes. So far, PP has collected a wealth of first-hand data by organizing ecological promotion campaigns, holding wild-watchers trainings, checking the main monitoring points for snow leopards and patrolling the mountains and lakes in Kegawa.

PP is also trying to enlarge its project area. Its field staff has carried out a baseline survey in Juela Township, Nangqian County in August 2016, which is going to be the site of a pilot project for eco-tourism. Juela is located at the source of the Mekong River and maintains great potential for developing eco-tourism because of the exquisite Tibetan craftsmanship present in the area.

After the establishment of the Three-River-Source National Park Administration, PP plans to seize this opportunity and support the building of the national park through training personnel and developing eco-tourism.

News and photo by Plateau Perspectives

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