In recent years, Shannan City of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has integrated natural recovery and artificial restoration to constantly optimize the structure of plant species, accelerated the ecological protection of the middle and lower reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River, steadily strengthened the desertification prevention and control, solidly implemented land greening programs, aiming to build an “Ecological Corridor” in the middle reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River.

In the process of building the “Ecological Corridor”, Shannan City adheres to the practice of diversification of plant species. More than 80,000 willows and 230 metasequoia trees are planted in the sandbars of Kongga and Chanang counties where the the Yarlung Zangbo River flows through. Over 670 metasequoia treesare planted by the river and in Tsethang urban area. 11 mu (about 0.7 hectares) of ginger trees are planted on barren slopes and sandy land along the river. Besides, bamboo, as well as ornamental and forage grass are planted around the Tsethang Bridge. By this autumn, except for the metasequoia, which is greatly affected by altitude and water factors, other plants are growing in good condition. This attempt provides scientific support for further introduction, domestication, and enrichment of plateau adapted plant species.

Since the beginning of this year, Shannan City has completed a total of 44,500 mu (about 2,966 hectares) of afforestation and arranged 134 full-time staff to manage and protect the afforestation area. 25,000 people from all walks of life in the city participated in voluntary afforestation activities, planting 17,700 mu (about 1,180 hectares) of land and completing 190,000 mu (about 12,666 hectares) of grassland improvement and 270,000 mu (about 18,000 hectares) of artificial grass planting. At the same time, Shannan City has continuously improved the digitalmanagement. Currently, there are a total of 19,252 forest rangers and 5,799 grassland supervisors, and more than 130,000 protective patrol personnel have been mobilized, achieving full coverage of forest, grassland, and wetland resource protection.

Reporter: Sun Kaiyuan

Translator: Luo Rongting, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Hu Rongguo, Li Chengye