September 1 marks the first anniversary of the Law of Ecological Conservation on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau coming into effect. Over the past year, significant strides have been made in establishing a comprehensive monitoring system for the region’s ecological environments, natural resources, and biodiversity.
At the heart of these advancements is the implementation of a three-dimensional monitoring system at Sanjiangyuan National Park. This system has successfully overcome challenges posed by harsh conditions and previously low efficiency in data collection.
In late August, the migration and calving season of Tibetan antelopes concluded. Footage captured by the new monitoring equipment reveals an encouraging increase in their numbers.
“This footage from the Wubei Bridge monitoring point shows over 100 migrating Tibetan antelopes,” said Wang Yue, a staff member at the Ecological Monitoring Information Center of the Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration.
The monitoring system now encompasses 190,700 square kilometers with over 1,000 monitoring sites, providing real-time data on ecological types, natural landscapes, and wildlife in key areas. Data is continuously transmitted to the computing center in Xining City, the capital of Qinghai Province, streamlining processes that once required manual data input.
“It used to take us four to five weeks to complete tasks from park inspection to data validation and submission. Now, we can acquire data through macro-remote sensing, submit it, and analyze it at the big data center within one week,” said Jin Daiying, director of the Ecological Monitoring Information Center.
“The favorable climate on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau only lasts for a few months. The established remote monitoring system helps us overcome the arduous working environment, including high altitude and low oxygen, and provides real-time and accurate data,” said Zhu Yanpeng, chief engineer at the Institute of Ecology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences. “This plays a significant role in preserving regional ecology and supporting informed decision-making.”
The enhanced monitoring capabilities not only aid in conservation efforts but also pave the way for more sustainable development in the region. By leveraging advanced technology, the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is setting an example in ecological preservation and resource management.
Reference(s):
Ecological monitoring boosts conservation in Qinghai-Xizang Plateau
cgtn.com
