2026 China's Government Work Reportproposed adhering to the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts, implementing the integration and optimization of nature reserves, advancing the development of national parks, and solidly pushing forward the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Forest Program project, aiming to make the mountains and watersgreener and clearer.

In recent years, with the goal of creating a national highland for ecological civilization, theXizang Autonomous Region of Chinahas delivered an impressive "green report card" in areas such as securing the national ecological security barrier, improving environmental quality, and promoting green and low-carbon development. Focusing on the increasingly clear development blueprint, cadres and people from all ethnic groups inXizang are filled with confidence and high enthusiasm, holding firm determination and beautiful expectations for fully securing the ecological security barrier.

Implementing the mission of creating a highland of ecological civilization with solid work

"Guarding the ecological red line means guarding our homeland!" The words of Gangzhu, Deputy Head of Zogang County, Qamdo City, were powerful. In this land where the Nu River, Lancang River, and Yuqu River converge, cadres and people from all ethnic groups nurture greenery with their sweat. The Pearl of EasternXizang is constantly rejuvenating with the new ecological look of "skies becoming bluer, mountains greener, and waters clearer".

Zogang County, utilizing the forest chief scheme, has built an ecological protection network characterized by "tiered inspections and comprehensive territorial management"in recent years. With an investment of over 80 million yuan(RMB), it has implemented closed forest cultivation on 46.67 kilometers, ecological restoration of grasslands on 36.67 kilometers, and desertification control on 0.207 kilometers. Through 10 afforestation projects, over 4.8 kilometers of barren mountains have been revitalized.

"What touches me most is the active participation of cadres and people from all ethnic groups!" Gangzhu said. From forest rangers persistently patrolling high mountains year-round, to villagers spontaneously becoming guardians of wildlife; from over 300 person-times collaboratively cleaning 500 kilometers of river channel garbage, to every household participating in courtyard greening – the belief in "passing on clear waters and lush mountains to future generations" has been deeply integrated into the bloodline of the people in Zogang.

Painting a new picture of high-quality development, Zogang County's ecological blueprint is even clearer. Gangzhu stated: "Guided by the spirit of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, we will continue to shoulder our responsibilities, lead our fellow villagers in protecting the landscapes of the snowy plateau, and contribute to the construction of a beautiful Xizang!"

Empowering highland greening breakthroughs with technology

The South-North Mountain Greening Project, initiated in 2021, is the largest afforestation project in Xizang's history. In this cross-area, large-scale ecological project, Dagze Hufeng Landscaping Co., Ltd. is a key participant. Li Qijunwho in charge of the company lamented"Afforestation on the plateau is challenging due to the climate, relies on perseverance, but ultimately succeeds through technology."

Li Qijun explained that technology permeates the entire ecological construction process, from seedling selection and soil improvement to irrigation and maintenance. In core construction areas like Dagze, Doilungdeqen, and Quxu, the company selects native tree species that are drought-tolerant, cold-resistant, and barren-tolerant, combined with economic forests such as peach and walnut trees. This ensures vegetation survival rates while laying the foundation for future value conversion. Now, after years of continuous efforts, the company has completed afforestation on 53.33 kilometers, completely transforming the former landscape of "barren mountains with sparse vegetation".

Li Qijun stated that with active government guidance, the company will continue to deepen all aspects of ecological construction, strengthen cooperation with relevant universities, continuously improve the scientific and refined level of ecological protection, and contribute more to Xizang's effort in building a national highland for ecological civilization.

Adding a splash of green to the beautifulplateau

Along the Shannan section of the Yarlung Zangbo River, former sand dunes have transformed into oasis wetlands, and exposed riverbanks have undergone ecological restoration. This is the remarkable achievement of Shannan City's decades-long focus, especially since the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, on the protection and restoration of the Yarlung Zangbo River basin. "In the past, during winter and spring, it was dusty with blowing sand, and the riverbanks were all exposed dunes. Now there are more trees, the water is clearer, and even black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, white-lipped deer, and river deer often visit as guests," said Ciren Zhaga, a villager from Gyeba Township, Nedong District.

Since the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, Shannan City, focusing on the ecological protection and restoration projects for mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin, has cumulatively completed the protection and restoration of 58.47 kilometers of wetlands, 131.53kilometers of forest ecosystems, and 235.87kilometers of grassland ecosystems. It has built a "green Great Wall" stretching over a hundred kilometers along the river, reducing the area of mobile sand dunes by 80% and effectively curbing soil erosion.

Zhang Xin, Deputy Head of the Shannan City Ecology and Environment Bureau, introduced that during the ecological restoration process, Shannan City adheres to the principle of benefiting and enriching the people through ecology. Since the project's implementation, residents have increased their income by participating in ecological management, vegetation planting, and other tasks, truly "eating from the ecology bowl". Simultaneously, projects like river dredging and ecological revetment construction have provided irrigation security for the development of 70.93kilometers of high-standard farmlands, promoting a virtuous cycle of "ecological protection plus agricultural development".

Zhang Xin said, next, the Shannan City Ecology and Environment Bureau will fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, resolutely shoulder the political responsibility of building a beautiful Shannan, and transform the grand blueprint into vivid practices on the land of Shannan.

Reporters: Tenzen Phunstok, Phunstok Langga, Gawa Pema

Translators: Zheng Yujie, Liu Fang

Reviews: Drakpa Wangchen, Phurbu Tsering