Tibet enhances environmental protection

cctv.com 09-08-2005 13:39

The Tibet Autonomous Region boasts breath-taking scenery and delicate ecological systems. As the region's economy grows, protection of the environment has become a priority in Tibet's development drive.

This is the "lake of heaven" to Tibetans. Lake Namtso is located some 200 kilometers northwest of the region's capital of Lhasa, and it attracts hordes of tourists in August.

Now the road leading to the lake is being enlarged. Engineers have taken special measures to protect plants along the road, keeping them safe from the building. And they are reminding tourists not to step on the plants and grass.

Tibet Environment Protection Official Zhuang Hongxiang said, "People know that Namtso is a sacred lake and they'd all love to come for a visit. The development of the resort should be in line with environmental protection."

State and local authorities are paying more attention to environmental concerns in developing the region. Over the past 40 years, all investment projects in Tibet have had to go through a strict evaluation process before being implemented.

One of the controversial projects was a cement production line proposed in 2001. It would have been profitable, but was vetoed by state and local authorities.

Former Investment Official Hu Xinsheng said, "The state's environment standards are strictly applied. Any projects failing to meet the standards will not be approved. " In the same year, some 500 projects were submitted and less than a third of them were approved.

So far, Tibet's economy has grown to 65 times its size 40 years ago. And officials say that no animal has gone extinct, there has been no pollution accident during that time, and the forests, lakes and rivers still remain in pristine condition.

Editor:Liu Fengming  Source:CCTV.com