Xinhua News Agency:

We know Qinghai province occupies a crucial ecological position as it contains the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. Could you brief us on what the Qinghai government has done in recent years to protect the eco-environment? Thank you.

Wu Xiaojun:

Thank you for your question. I'll take this one.

Thank you for your concern about ecological and environmental protection in Qinghai. As you mentioned, Qinghai holds an important position in ecological matters. Therefore, we always prioritize ecological protection in our development efforts and protect every blade of grass and tree with heartfelt efforts to promote sustained ecological improvement. Our work focuses on the following four aspects.

First, we have highlighted institutional innovation. We have steadily advanced the construction of a national park demonstration province, adhered to the principle of maintaining the authenticity and integrity of natural ecosystems, and taken the lead in establishing a standard system for nature reserves. The Three-River-Source National Park implemented a five-tier national park management system at the provincial, city, county, township, and village levels. The Qilian Mountain National Park integrated ecological conservation with livelihood development and ethnic unity, encouraging the Party branch committees of rural villages, village committees, and local communities to jointly contribute efforts and share benefits. The Qinghai Lake National Park formed a symbiotic ecosystem featuring the plateau's distinctive "water, grass, fish, birds, and animals," making solid progress toward harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Second, we have strengthened systematic management. We have coordinated the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grass, sand, and ice, continuously improving the quality and stability of the ecosystem. The province increased its vegetation coverage ratio of grasslands, with comprehensive vegetation coverage reaching 58.12%. Statistics also showed a decline in both desertification and sandification in Qinghai. The environmental quality of air, water, and soil has continuously improved, and the proportion of days with good air quality in the province stayed above 96% throughout the year. Additionally, the cross-sectional water quality of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers flowing out of Qinghai remained at Level II and above.

Third, we have advanced scientific transformation by vigorously promoting eco-friendly industries and the industrialization of environmental protection. Take the "photovoltaic sheep" project as an example. We placed photovoltaic panels in desert areas, which decreased wind speeds by 50% and soil water evaporation by 30%. As a result, the previously barren land has been transformed into grassland, attracting cattle and sheep, to return. Local herders now graze their animals around the photovoltaic panels and call their sheep "photovoltaic sheep." In doing so, we have integrated ecological protection and clean energy development, increasing income for local farmers and herders.

Fourth, we have emphasized inclusive sharing. We are committed to the principles of an ecological civilization based on collaboration, participation, and common interests, and we aim to popularize it among the public. We have created public welfare posts for ecological conservators, helping 146,000 herders across the province put down their grazing whips and become conservation workers. Some of them have even become photographers thanks to their proximity to nature. Many of their photos have won awards in domestic and international competitions. Their photographic works, mainly about animals, not only showcase the local ecosystem, but also reflect their deep love for the land.

Sanjiangyuan, which means the "source of three rivers," is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers. As the home of Sanjiangyuan, Qinghai province has been dubbed China's "water tower." Sanjiangyuan belongs not only to Qinghai but also to China and the whole world. We will steadfastly guard China's "water tower" and ensure that lush mountains and lucid waters remain Qinghai's greatest advantages and pride. Thank you.