Qinghai Province: How sad it is to see the rapid changes taking place on the Tibetan Plateau. Clean air and pristine waters, earth protected for millennia by isolation from the mechanized world and through traditional use practices are being lost to chemical residue brought on by careless “strip mining” and the introduction of non-biodegradable plastics. In a culture that has historically been organically based by design and non-toxic to the environment by choice – an environmental disaster looms large.
The Qinghai Geysar Foundation is now developing programs that will begin to counteract these acts of modern subterfuge while offering doable, practical alternative solutions*. *Working hand in hand with local government and the indigenous population we propose the following:
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1.) Model Recycling Program: Development of an easily replicated “prototype” recycling program. We will begin with community education to empower local people by exploring problems brought about by abandoning traditional ways and taking up the use of non-biodegradable. In order for recycling to succeed there must be an understanding of its practical benefits. Tibetans have traditionally taken pride in the natural beauty of their surroundings. We propose an easily assimilated recycling program of collecting glass, plastic, and paper, which now cause garbage to pile up and poor sanitary conditions to occur.
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With a long-term outlook of profitable self-sustenance, our intention is to work cooperatively with local community members and governmental officials alike so those clean environmental programs are a win-win situation for all. Community participation is key.
2.) Preservation of Endangered Species and Their Habitats: As part of a globally based education, QGF will introduce “Community Cleanup” days. We will work together with the regional government to help prevent harm to animals such as Yaks and Dri’s who are commonly harmed or die by eating plastic bags.
Local habitat for fox, antelopes, wild yak, deer, and donkeys are being destroyed by deforestation and poaching. Working in tandem with successfully established groups such as “Future Generations” (www.future.org <http://www.future.org>) encroachment of surrounding forest area can be turned back and natural preserves established. Awareness of the effects of slaughtering endangered species such a s the River Otter and Gray Fox, as a means of business for their skins or food, must be cultivated. Repopulating the preserves of endangered species through animal releases is to be encouraged.
