In a remarkable stride toward environmental sustainability, the Xizang Autonomous Region is spearheading its largest-ever afforestation project. Launched in 2021, this ambitious initiative aims to green the mountainsides along the Lhasa River Valley, playing a pivotal role in conserving the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, famously known as the \"Roof of the World\".
Spanning approximately 137,868 hectares, the project is set to reach completion by 2030. Upon fruition, it is expected to enhance water storage by 49.8 million metric tonnes, sequester 230,000 metric tonnes of carbon annually, and generate 190,000 metric tonnes of oxygen each year. These efforts will not only improve the ecological environment around Lhasa but also make the city a more livable space for its residents.
One of the standout features of this project is the innovative use of technology to overcome logistical challenges. Xian Xiongqiang's company, one of the key contractors, has undertaken a quarter of the project since its inception. The rugged terrain, with altitudes ranging between 3,600 and 4,100 meters, posed significant transportation hurdles. To address this, the team has employed drones to lift and transport trees, boosting efficiency by five to ten times compared to traditional methods using animals.
\"When we began planting trees on a large scale on the northern and southern mountains, there were no roads. Our workers, along with mules and horses, built the roads step by step. Drones have been a game-changer, reducing transportation time to less than a minute for reaching altitudes of nearly 4,100 meters,\" Xian explained.
The project also faced environmental challenges, particularly a severe drought in 2022. The team witnessed trees turning yellow, causing significant anxiety. Daily mountain climbs to assess tree conditions became routine until an intelligent water system was installed. This system channels water from main canals and rivers to a top-of-the-mountain reservoir, ensuring consistent water supply to all storage tanks and uninterrupted water storage operations.
By the end of last year, approximately 25,333 hectares had been successfully planted with trees. These efforts have resulted in Xizang's forest coverage rate rising to 12.31 percent, fostering conditions favorable for the recovery of rare wild animal populations. Notably, the number of Tibetan antelopes has surged to nearly 300,000 from fewer than 70,000 a century ago, and black-necked cranes have increased to over 10,000 from under 2,000.
This transformative afforestation project not only underscores Xizang's commitment to ecological conservation but also highlights the crucial role of technology and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. As the project progresses, it sets a benchmark for sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the region and beyond.
Reference(s):
Technology enhances Xizang's largest-ever afforestation project
cgtn.com
