"My task is to accurately identify each specimen and prevent the intrusion of foreign harmful organisms," said Wen Yi, a technician at the Lhasa Customs Technology Center, Xizang Autonomous Region, focusing intently on his microscope.

Deep in the dense forests of Zhangmu Port, customs officers conduct routine biosecurity monitoring. They carefully count captured samples, identify species, and transport valuable specimens to the laboratory for professional identification.

At an average elevation above 4,000 meters, Xizang hosts a unique yet fragile ecosystem, making biosecurity particularly challenging. Lhasa Customs remains committed to the goal of building an "ecological highland" and has launched a special initiative to "protect ecological security." By promoting coordinated efforts in precise regulation, scientific prevention and control, and efficient services, it is establishing a comprehensive ecological protection framework. Lhasa Customs strengthens its biosecurity defense while enhancing work quality and efficiency through smart technologies.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Lhasa Customs established preliminary screening and identification rooms for harmful organisms and invasive species at various ports. Over the past five years, it has intercepted over 1,800 batches of prohibited animals, plants, and related products, as well as more than 110 batches of foreign harmful organisms. Among these, over 10 types of foreign harmful organisms were intercepted for the first timeat national ports.

Recently, a group of elementary school students gathered at the Xizang Museum of Natural Science to watch an educational video on biosecurity. In October 2025, the "Lhasa Customs National Biosecurity Publicity and Education Base" opened at the museum. A series of educational videos were screened, transforming specialized biosecurity knowledge into engaging audiovisual content and promoting biosecurity concepts through immersive experiences.

Lhasa Customs has also intensified risk assessment andquarantine inspections of imports, postal items, and passenger luggage through operations such as "Pine Protection," "Clear Wind," and "National Green Shield." Learning platforms like the "Plateau e-Classroom" and "Broad Learning" Border Customs Lecture Hall have enhanced frontline officers' inspection skills. During the joint operation "National Sword 2025," Lhasa Customs investigated and handled three cases of smuggling endangered species, seizing over 1,300 kilograms of endangered wildlife and plant products, including pangolin scales and sandalwood.

In recent years, the import of silage has become a vivid practice in achieving a win-win situation of ecological "high value" and "high aesthetics." To this end, Lhasa Customs has facilitated Nepalese silage imports, improving customs efficiency. In 2025, Xizang ports imported 1,104.3 tons of silage, up 83.58% year-on-year, bringing the total to 1,788.73 tons since 2023. This trade has also boosted imports of other high-quality products, such as Nepalese medicinal herbs, with 31 approved varieties and ten registered processing enterprises by the end of 2025, totaling 459.38 tons.

While imports contribute to ecological protection, exports drive regional development. Over the past five years, locally featured agricultural products have generated a cumulative export value of 314 million yuan. Xizang's unique ecological advantages are being transformed into new quality productive forces that enrich local communities and strengthen border areas through the export of specialty products.

"Each successful export not only introduces the flavors of the plateau to the world but also puts more money in the pockets of local people." said Sonam Tseten of Nyingchi Customs under Lhasa Customs, drawing on nearly 30 years of experience supporting agricultural exports on the plateau.

Reporter: Li Meiying, Sun Hao

Translator: Yang Xiaofeng, Luo Rongting

Review: Hu Rongguo, Drakpa Wangchen