A recent press release states that the Chinese government is set to further strengthen its environmental programs for key river resources. The Sanjiangyuan region of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau comes under focus. It is the main source of key rivers that serve as habitat for many species and also source of irrigation and potable water.

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This new plan to intensify river protection is just one of the many environmental programs of the Chinese government. China has existing environmental laws and programs that are aimed at protecting, preserving and managing natural resources. These laws and programs are implemented by key agencies, particularly the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP). The MEP is a cabinet-level ministry that is tasked to coordinate various government efforts and programs aimed at protecting key natural resources such as forest, minerals, oceans and rivers. The ministry has several departments that also have their respective local bureaus that operate at the community levels.

The implementation of the program to protect the plateau will be a concerted effort that will involve the national agencies, local agencies and communities. The Qinghai-Tibet plateau is approximately 4,000 meters above sea level. It is a reservoir from where major and important rivers flow. The name literally means “source of three rivers.” It is home to the largest wetland ecosystem in China.

The preservation and rehabilitation of the plateau is among the top priorities of the national government. The State Council, China’s cabinet, presided by Premier Li Keqiang, has recently announced on Wednesday, December 18, the approval of the new plan for the region. The program is intended to expand the current 152,000 square-kilometer coverage to 395,000 square-kilometer coverage.

Based on the conservation plan, concerted efforts will be directed to the rehabilitation and protection of the various plant species in the region. The monitoring and warning systems for ecological situations will also be greatly improved.