Tibet Nomads Give Support To Relocation Plan
Introduction to Ecological Challenges
Ecological protection efforts in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) have presented a significant challenge for nomadic herders, particularly when Tibetan wild donkeys compete with domesticated yaks for limited pasture. This issue has been most prominent in Tsonyi County, the region’s highest and least-populated county, where relocation has become part of the solution to balance ecological conservation with the needs of the local population.
Government’s Ecological Protection Efforts
At the annual sessions of the region’s people’s congress and political advisory body, the Tibetan government emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding efforts to protect the environment. Authorities highlighted their commitment to furthering ecological protection and pollution control measures, building on the success of the previous year.
Key Government Goals for 2019
- Environmental Protection: Achieve targets for energy consumption, carbon intensity, and pollution reduction set by the State.
- Air Quality: Ensure that major cities maintain good air quality for 95% of the year.
- Ecological Subsidies: Raise the annual ecological subsidy to 3,500 yuan ($518) for locals who return their land to nature and patrol the ecology.
Investments in Ecological Development
In 2018, the Tibetan government invested over 10 billion yuan in ecological construction, focusing on:
- Greening projects, with 742,000 hectares of land planted with trees.
- Increased forest coverage in Tibet, now exceeding 12%.
Tsonyi County: Ecological Importance and Relocation Plan
Tsonyi County, located at an average altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level, spans 120,000 square kilometers, approximately 800 kilometers northwest of Lhasa. The county is home to the world’s third-largest glacier, Purog Kangri, and is a sanctuary for rare species like the Tibetan antelope, wild yak, and Tibetan wild donkey.
Ecological Protection Policies in Tsonyi
- Prohibition of harmful industries: Mining and other industries that harm nature are banned.
- Tourism restrictions: Tourist access to sacred sites, such as Purog Kangri glacier, has been restricted.
- Environmental health: The county has prioritized environmental protection over economic development to ensure future generations can enjoy Tibet’s natural beauty.
Relocation as a Key Ecological Measure
To safeguard the environment, relocation has been introduced as a key measure in Tsonyi. The relocation policy is voluntary and not coercive, aiming to return land to nature while promoting the health of residents.
- Health Concerns: Living in high-altitude areas leads to health issues such as heart and lung diseases and arthritis among residents.
- Relocation plan: About 3,900 residents from three townships will move to a new settlement once construction is completed.
- The elderly, children, and disabled will live in the new settlement full-time.
- Others will continue to tend their livestock but will benefit from enhanced ecological patrol jobs.
Supporting Local Communities
Ecology Patrol Jobs
Over 2,200 ecology patrol jobs have been created for locals, offering compensation for their contributions to protecting the environment. Additionally, compensation is provided when wild animals cause damage to livestock.
Impact on Wildlife
Wildlife populations have steadily increased due to the protection measures. However, climate change has shortened the hibernation period of the brown bear, leading to more conflicts between bears and humans. To address this, forest patrols are conducted at night to ensure the safety of both residents and their livestock.
The government’s relocation and ecological protection efforts in Tsonyi County represent a significant step toward preserving Tibet’s natural environment while improving the living conditions and health of nomadic herders. By balancing environmental protection with community welfare, the Tibetan government aims to secure a sustainable future for both wildlife and local residents.
