Tibet enforces new measures to protect UNESCO world heritage site

Source: Xinhua | 03-12-2009 08:17

LHASA, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Southwestern China's Tibet Autonomous Region has enacted measures to conserve the UNESCO world heritage site Potala Palace, also a landmark religious complex, in the regional capital of Lhasa, a senior official with the local government confirmed Wednesday.

Dai Jianguo, vice secretary-general of the regional government of Tibet, said the new local rules, which were the only regulations targeted at one cultural complex in Tibet, took effect on March 1, when the old rules for the same purpose were abandoned.

The new rules consist of 33 clauses, covering emergency plans for preservation, specialist consulting system and entry control.

Dai stressed that as a world heritage site, the Potala Palace belonged not only to Tibet, but also to the world at large. Only when strict measures were taken to preserve and manage the complex, will the value of the heritage be embodied and will the next generation understand the historical and cultural legacies the Palace passed on, Dai said.