At more than 5,300 meters above sea level in the Xizang Autonomous Region, a new 15-meter-high monitoring tower stands sentinel over the headwaters of the Yangtze River, marking a significant step in plateau ecosystem preservation.
Last October, Yu Wenhao, project manager of an intelligent monitoring platform in the Tangbei area of Sanjiangyuan National Park, led a 20-member team on a demanding two-day trek to the remote glaciers of Mount Geladaindong. The 120-kilometer journey, made without roads, tested their endurance as they braved freezing temperatures and rugged terrain.
With approval from local authorities and guidance from experienced local residents, the team minimized their footprint on the fragile highland environment. Their reward was the successful installation of a cutting-edge station that will gather real-time data on glacier dynamics, water flow, air temperature, and biodiversity signals.
Sanjiangyuan—known as the "Three River Source"—encompasses the origins of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong rivers. The new tower joins a network of intelligent monitoring points designed to provide data-driven insights for researchers, policymakers, and global stakeholders focused on climate change and sustainable water management.
This high-altitude initiative demonstrates how innovative technology can meet conservation goals on the roof of the world. By tracking critical environmental indicators at the Yangtze headwaters, the project offers a powerful example of eco-innovation with impacts that reach far beyond the plateau.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
