Suonandajie Protection Station in Golmud
Sonam Dargye Natural Protection Station (索南达杰自然保护站) is China’s first civilian-run ecological protection station, located at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains on the eastern side of Kekexili, Qinghai Province. Established in May 1996 by Yang Xin in collaboration with the Western Committee of Zhiduo County, the station was built with funds raised through the sale of the book The Soul of the Yangtze River in September 1997. The station is named after Sonam Dargye (索南达杰), a heroic figure who sacrificed his life in 1994 to protect the Tibetan antelope (Chiru) from poachers. It primarily serves as a frontline base in the fight against poaching in the region.
Establishment of the Station
The establishment of the Sonam Dargye Natural Protection Station was driven by volunteer efforts in its early years. After the tragic sacrifice of Sonam Dargye in 1994, the local community, inspired by his bravery, began to take action to protect the endangered wildlife of Kekexili. In 1996, Yang Xin, who had previously undertaken an exploration of the source of the Yangtze River, wrote a book titled The Soul of the Yangtze River to raise funds for the project. The proceeds from book sales helped purchase building materials, and in collaboration with the Western Committee of Zhiduo County, twelve volunteers helped build the station.
On September 10, 1997, the Sonam Dargye Natural Protection Station was established at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the conservation of Kekexili’s wildlife, particularly the Tibetan antelope. The station became the main base for anti-poaching efforts in the region.
Development Timeline
1998: Expansion and Enhanced Facilities
In August 1998, the station received support from several companies, including the Shenzhen Intertec Investment Company, as well as environmentalists such as Wang Shi. With their funding, volunteers from universities in Sichuan, Beijing, Guangdong, and Qinghai joined forces to build additional infrastructure, including solar heating systems, a fully automated diesel boiler system, 800-watt solar and wind power generation equipment, a high-altitude observation tower, a multifunctional hall, kitchen, and restroom facilities.
1999: Strengthening the Protection Efforts
In September 1999, with funding from Friends of the Earth Hong Kong (香港地球之友), the station completed the installation of reinforced wooden flooring, a storage room, roads, and improvements to its living facilities. During the same year, the “Yangtze River Source” environmental memorial monument was planned, which was later unveiled on June 5, 1999, with a dedication from President Jiang Zemin. The monument, located along the Tuotuo River (沱沱河), became a symbol of the conservation efforts in the region.
2000: Further Developments
Through the sale of The Yangtze River Source book, the station was able to purchase additional equipment, including a 1400-watt wind and solar power system, a computer, satellite phone, and a Beijing Jeep. By the end of the year, the Sonam Dargye Natural Protection Station had the most advanced facilities of any unit in the entire Yangtze River source area, laying the foundation for the implementation of a volunteer program.
2001: Volunteer Mechanism
On January 1, 2001, the station launched its volunteer mechanism, allowing over 200 volunteers, including university students, to serve at the station and contribute to its conservation efforts. The station also began offering limited accommodations for passing travelers, although it did not have the capacity to provide meals. By 2002, the volunteer base continued to grow, further supporting the station’s mission.
Challenges Faced by the Station
2014: Ongoing Operational Challenges
By June 2014, the station faced significant operational challenges due to aging equipment, insufficient funding, and limited resources. Despite these difficulties, the station continued to support the protection of the Tibetan antelope and other endangered wildlife, while also providing essential services such as satellite communication and accommodations for scientific expeditions and travelers passing through the region.
Key Features of the Sonam Dargye Natural Protection Station:
-
Location: Situated at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, east of Kekexili (可可西里), Qinghai Province, China.
-
Main Function: The station focuses on anti-poaching efforts, particularly the protection of the Tibetan antelope (藏羚羊), wild yak (野牦牛), and the Tibetan wild ass (藏野驴).
-
Facilities: Equipped with solar and wind power systems, a high-altitude observation tower, satellite phone, and vehicles for fieldwork.
-
Volunteer Involvement: Over 200 volunteers have contributed to the station’s mission, supporting the conservation and monitoring of local wildlife.
-
Challenges: Facing operational difficulties due to aging infrastructure and limited funding, the station has struggled to maintain its capacity to protect the area effectively.
