The 160 planned projects will cover conservation and expansion of pastures and natural forests, protection of wild animals and plants, expansion of nature reserves, planting trees and grass, harnessing hilly farmland, control of soil erosion, and development of shelter belts along farmland.

Tibet currently enjoys one of the world's best ecological environments. However, the ecology on the "roof of the world" is also vulnerable to natural disasters.

The region is under threat from the expanding hole in the ozone layer, drying-up of lakes, deterioration of pastures and industrial pollution, experts said. They noted that as a river source region, a sound ecological environment in Tibet is of great significance in terms of ecological conservation to both China and the world as a whole.

Statistics show that Tibet experienced an annual economic growth rate of 10.84 percent for the past five years, higher than the national growth rate.

According to a new plan, Tibet will strengthen harnessing of waste water and air pollution control and will build a group of sewage plants and garbage treatment facilities in Lhasa and other major cities.

The new plan also bans mining and polluting projects in Lhasa city proper. The existing cement plants in the city will be shut down, according to sources.

The plan also involves ecological conservation-oriented agriculture in the farm and pasture areas, and calls for accelerating the use of water, solar and wind energy.

Tibet currently has more than 400 water and solar energy power stations.

The region now has 17 large nature reserves, accounting for 50 percent of the national total nature reserves in area.

(Xinhua 05/09/2001)