Tibet ranks first in China in area of nature reserves

　　BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Tibet now ranks first in China in the area of nature reserves by setting up 20 such reserves at and above the regional level, according to new government statistics.

　　The reserves have a combined area of 41.26 million ha, 26.67 percent of China‘s total.

　　Black-necked cranes (Grus Nigricollis) perch at the lakefront of the Yamzbog Yumco Lake, southwest China‘s Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 16, 2009. Tibet now ranks first in China in the area of nature reserves by setting up 20 such reserves at and above the regional level, according to new governemnt statistics. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)

　　Known as the "the roof of the world," Tibet is the source of major rivers and diversified species in South and East Asia. From 2001 to 2005, 2.4 billion yuan (350.11 million U.S. dollars) has been spent on protecting and improving the ecological environment in the region.

　　Meanwhile, China‘s Central Government and the Tibet Autonomous Regional Government undertook construction projects at the Lhalu wetland in Lhasa, Namtso Nature Reserve and Nagqu Central Grassland Eco-Demonstration Zone at the national level.

　　This file photo shows a beautiful grassland alongside the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. (Xinhua Photo)

　　So far, financing for the protected areas of forests managed by the Tibet Forestry Bureau has exceeded 260 million yuan (38.03 million dollars), said Zongga, director of the Wildlife Protection Office of the bureau.

　　The area of nature reserves in Tibet has been enlarging with the efforts of the Central Government.

　　"The nature reserves have covered key endangered and rare wildlife species, as well as their inhabitats," Zongga said, "Meanwhile, they also help protect 1.56 million ha of primitive forests and about 1.5 million ha of highland wetlands."