It was learned from the Forestry Bureau of Ngari that Ngari will make improvements to 47,000 mu of grassland in 2016 using a combination of artificial and natural grass, thus building a strong ecological safety barrier for the “roof of the world”, Xinhua reported.

According to the Forestry Bureau, the government provided 56.4 million yuan investment for the project, which will focus on three counties: Zanda, Gar and Burang. Among the artificial and natural grass improvements a new 4000-mu oasis will be built in Zanda, a 35,000 mu one in Gar and an 8000 mu one in Burang.

Due to an average altitude of 4,500 meters, Ngari is known as the “roof of the world”. Here, the average annual temperature is only 0.2 – 3.1 degrees Celsius; there is ample sunlight but little rainfall.

However, the Ngari Prefecture is wildlife “paradise” with 19 national key protected animals, of which seven are first class protected animals and 12 are second-class. Once the planting and improvements have finished, it will not only help prevent erosion and desertification in Ngari, but will also provide domestic animals and precious wildlife with richer grassland resources.