Although the natural conditions are severe for
mankind, Tibet is a paradise to some wild animals. It teems
with many rare animals and plants such as black-collared
cranes, wild yaks, Tibetan gazelles, white-lipped deer,
saussurea involucrata and Chinese caterpillar fungus. In
order to better protect these animals and ecological
environment, scientific workers conducted research on rare
mammals inhabiting the Changtang Plateau, which provided
important scientific evidence for the establishment of the
Changtang Nature Reserve with a unique ecosystem.
Satellite and aerial remote sensing, and
ground observation sampling, along with other advanced
scientific and technological techniques, have helped set up
a continuous monitoring system of forestry resources. This
has helped provide scientific evidence for rational use of
rare highland forests and for guidance of forest production.
In 1987, the region's Biology Institute
succeeded in the experimental planting of saffron, which has
proliferated. At the same time, the institute also examined
and analysed the chemical components of the red-spotted
stonecrop, thus aiding its exploration and application. The
Nuodikang capsule has obtained a production license from the
Ministry of Public Health, becoming the first medicine from
the region to gain state approval. In addition, studies on
plants such as the saussurea involucrata, the Chinese yew
and the rhizome of Chinese monkshood have resulted in
publication of the Tibetan Plants List, Tibetan Economic
Plants and other monographs.
Some people say
Tibet is a treasure trove, and with good reason. Tibet is
the highest and youngest plateau in the world. Achievements
of scientific research over the past four decades show that
Tibet is not only unique in geological features and rich in
mineral resources, but also has superior minerals. For
example, proven chromium iron ore deposits rank first in the
country; copper reserves, though second, possess huge
deposits of porphyry copper and molybdenum; artistic
crystals and boule also rank the first; volcanic ash, the
second; natural sulphur and boron, the fourth; while
arsenic, graphite, pottery clay and surface-decorated
marble, the fifth. Four decades of geological endeavor have
resulted in completion of a 1:1 million regional and ore
deposits geological reconnaissance and aeromagnetic survey
in some areas, with 1:200,000 regional geological surveys
and prospecting through geochemical exploration, being
carried out in major mineralogenetic areas and national
economic development zones. At the same time, efforts have
been made in the surveying and prospecting of geothermal
resources and other minerals including copper, chromium,
iron, lead, zinc, antimony, tin, coal, petroleum, salt lake
minerals, gold, jade, etc. Physical exploration techniques
played an important role in the prospecting and exploitation
of the Yangbajain Geothermal Field. The mining sector is
bound to become one of the pillar industries in the region.
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