September 1st this year marks the first anniversary of the Law of Ecological Conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau coming into force. Over the past year, significant progress has been made in establishing a monitoring system for ecological environments, natural resources, and biodiversity.
At the Three-River-Source National Park, a three-dimensional monitoring system has taken shape, overcoming the challenges of local harsh conditions and low efficiency.
In late August, the migration and calving of Tibetan antelopes had just concluded, and the footage captured by the new monitoring equipment indicates an 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 Three-River-Source National Park Administration.
The monitoring system now covers 190,700 square kilometers with over 1,000 monitoring sites, providing real-time data on ecological types, natural landscapes, and wildlife in typical areas. Data is continuously sent to the computing center in Xining City, replacing the previous method where staff had to manually gather data.
"It used to take us four to five weeks to complete tasks from park inspection, data validation and submission. Now, we can acquire data through macro-remote sensing, submit it, and analyze it at the big data center in one week," said Jin Daiying, director of the Ecological Monitoring Information Center.
"The pleasant climate only occurs in a few months on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. 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. This plays a significant role in preserving regional ecology and supporting informed decision-making," said Zhu Yanpen, chief engineer at the Institute of Ecology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecological monitoring system boosts conservation efforts
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecological monitoring system boosts conservation efforts
Lien Te-an, a 30-year-old Yajia athlete representing Taiwan region's ethnic minority delegation, showcased sportsmanship in the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya City of south China's Hainan Province, bringing home honor and friendship.
On Sunday morning, Lien claimed victory against the representative from Heilongjiang Province in the 85-kilogram weight class Yajia competition, a Tibetan traditional sport akin to tug-of-war but played back to back. Secured a two-to-zero win, his marvelous performance earned him resounding cheers from the audience.
"(My opponent) is of great strength. It was a tough win. I just pulled with all my strength," said Lien.
Similarly, Lien's friend Kanat Hami, representing the delegation from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, also defeated his opponent with a two to zero score. After his victory, Lien went directly to the lounge to congratulate his "old brother" from Xinjiang and thanked his instructions and help.
"They just taught me techniques and helped me to warm up," said Lien.
The friendship between the two athletes dates back to the 11th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in 2019, where Kanat won first place and Lien claimed third. Both groups have been in close contact since then, competing and communicating with each other every now and then.
"Every time he finishes his match, we will communicate with them and seek advice, trying to learn from their experiences. They are all very modest and nice people. We feel like at home," said Lien. In addition to his success in Yajia, Lien is a seasoned luger who represented Chinese Taipei at the 2014 Winter Olympics. After experiencing the game years ago, Lien's enthusiasm for this game of strength and stamina was ignited.
"All I know is to dash forward with all my strength, and never give up," said Lien, sharing his experience after years of practice.
Beyond competition, Lien also cherishes the opportunity to understand the mainland more. He hopes to visit Xinjiang, the hometown of his "old brother," and explore more of the mainland. Taking the chance, he is also planning to tour around Sanya City, and share his experience here, as well as all the charismatic traditional sports of China's ethnic minorities, upon his returning to Taiwan.
"If given the chance, I would surely introduce to more people about it. The once-every-four-years game brings us together, and offers us a chance to reunite with old friends, and fight together for the sports," said Lien.
Taiwan athlete brings home honor, friendship after attending Ethnic Minority Games
