Visiting Baqingyue Xiongcuo: Exploring the balance between ecological protection and development in "hard-core" protection

China News Service, Lhasa, September 11, Title: Visiting Baqingyeoxiongcuo: Exploring the balance between ecological protection and development in "hard-core" protection

China News Service reporter Gongsanlam

In the northern Tibetan Plateau with an altitude of more than 4,000 meters, deep in the folds of the southern foothills of Tanggula Mountain, there is an alpine periglacial lake named "Yeoxiongcuo". Recently, reporters from China News Service came to this wetland park in Baqing County, Nagchu City, Tibet to explore how the local area finds a balance between ecological protection and development in the "hard-core" protection of the "Chinese Water Tower."

Tibet's Baqing Yoxiongcuo Alpine Glacier National Wetland Park has a total area of ​​more than 800 hectares and relies on meltwater from the Yoxiong Glacier in the upper reaches to sustain life. It is not only the home of more than 60 nationally protected animals and more than 70 species of plateau endemic plants, it is also the source of the tributaries of the upper reaches of the Nu River.

The picture shows the high mountain glacier in Baqingyuxiongcuo, Tibet. Photo courtesy of Baqing County Integrated Media Center

In recent years, Baqing County has invested approximately 15 million yuan in implementing a series of "hard-core" measures. In the core area, an infrared detection solar voice warning system and a wetland management and protection system have been put into use to prevent illegal hunting and destruction.

At the same time, for local degraded areas, vegetation buffer zones were built to prevent soil erosion, and scaffolding was erected to control pika disasters through biological control. Among them, the most difficult thing is to plant grass on sandy and gravel ground. Workers need to use drones to transport soil from a distance, and the single load can only be 40 to 50 kilograms. "It takes three to five years to plant grass on ordinary plots to be effective."

The picture shows the high mountain glacier in Baqingyuxiongcuo, Tibet. Photo by Gonsanglam

Zhi Mingyou, a staff member of the Baqing County Forestry and Grassland Bureau, said that in 2025, a 90-day special investigation of alien species invasion was carried out locally. The results showed that "no established populations of alien invasive species were found" in the core waters of the lake, lakeside wetlands and swamp meadows. In the same year, the thickness, ablation rate, movement speed and terminal position of the Yoschung Glacier were systematically monitored for the first time, and valuable basic data were obtained.

However, the monitoring report also revealed hidden worries: According to the "Wetland Degradation Assessment Report", the Joxiongcuo Wetland is in a "slightly degraded" state as a whole. Although core indicators such as wetland area and the number of rare species have remained stable, the quality of surface water has declined due to reduced dissolved oxygen and mild eutrophication, showing the pressure brought by global warming.

"The decline in water quality shows that we need to strengthen management." Zhi Mingyou said. In recent years, the Baqing County Forestry and Grassland Bureau has actively carried out publicity and education activities on wetland protection to increase public awareness of wetland protection. By adding science education boards, setting up exhibitions at the Wetland Science Education Center, distributing promotional materials, and training, we will popularize the importance and protection knowledge of wetland ecosystems to local residents and tourists, and enhance the public's environmental awareness and responsibility.

The picture shows the Yuxiongcuo Alpine Glacier National Wetland Park in Baqing, Tibet. Photo by Gonsanglam

"Because there is no pollution, Cordyceps, Fritillaria and many other vegetations can grow well." In the tension between protection and development, villager Buyang represents a pragmatic expectation. There are only more than 20 households in Yuexiong Village where he lives. Everyone protects the environment voluntarily. The wetland area has been effectively protected, the water quality has been improved to a certain extent, and the biodiversity has been restored and increased to a certain extent.

"Glacial meltwater is still nourishing this wetland, and ecological monitoring equipment is still recording every data." Zhi Mingyou believes that for Baqing County, protecting glaciers and wetlands is not only to protect the homeland, but also to protect a precious water source for the "Chinese Water Tower". How to transform this protection into sustainable people's livelihood and well-being amid the alarm of "mild degradation" still requires more wisdom and efforts. (over)