Nature reserve to protect river sources

CHINA plans to set up a huge nature reserve in a bid to protect the sources of its three major rivers, the Yangtze and Yellow rivers, and the Lancang River, officials said in Xining, capital of north-western Qinghai province.  

Li Ruofan, director of the nature reserve administration, said recently the Chinese central government and the state council had approved a plan earlier this year to establish the reserve in the Qinghai province.  

The proposed reserve would cover some 152,300sq km, he said.  

The sources of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers are all located in Qinghai province, in an area covering 318,000sq km. 

The environment in this region has deteriorated in the past four decades due to prolonged drought, excessive farming and overgrazing, resulting in depleted lakes and wetlands, soil erosion, and a drastic drop in the endangered wildlife populations.  

The proposed reserve will comprise six areas, including the river sources, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and virgin forests and vegetation along these rivers.  

Intensive drives would be launched to check forest and grassland fires, improve the awareness of locals concerning environmental protection and promote community development. – People's Daily

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