10:59, May 04, 2009

The Sanjiangyuan Area covers 363,000 square kilometers of land and has a population of 590,000. Within the area, there are five ethnic group autonomous prefectures and sixteen counties.
The area, a protected ecological zone, is home to more varieties of river, glacier and plateau species than anywhere else in the world. However, due to global warming and human activity over the past 30 years, the Sanjiangyuan area is increasingly suffering from ecological deterioration. Governments at various levels attach great importance to controlling the deterioration.

Mr. Jidi Majia, vice governor of Qinghai Province, established the Sanjiangyuan Natural Preservation Area in 2000. The state-protected area, which covers a total of 318,000 square kilometers, includes the two Tibetan autonomous prefectures Yushu and Guoluo, as well as parts of Xinghai, Tongde, Zekong and Golmud City.
"It is important to protect the lakes, wet lands, primeval forests, bushes, marshy grasslands, precious animals and plants in the area of what's called the World Roof," Jidi Majia said.
"This gallery displays many gorgeous waterfront photos. It aims to inspire people to take a close look at nature and encourages people to protect Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve and the environment altogether."