National parks to reinforce 'beautiful China' program

Unlike most national parks overseas, which are located in isolated regions, Tang said some of China's national parks are home to tens of thousands of people.

"Thus, China's national park management system aims to protect not only ecosystems, but also the residents' traditional lives. Ultimately, protection of nature is aimed at a better future for human beings," he said.

In the Three-River-Source National Park, for example, some villages have developed a collective grassland ownership system that controls the total number of livestock and minimizes any negative effect grazing may have on the grassland.

Under the system, former herders are encouraged to become government-paid environmental conservationists or to find jobs in nearby towns and cities to improve their lives after receiving training provided free by the local government.

"Some people may ask why we don't simply prohibit all human activities in the national parks, especially grazing," said Tsering Tendru, an official from the park's branch in Qumarleb county.

"In practice, we've noticed that well-planned moderate grazing is good for grassland ecosystems. For example, microorganisms in yak waste can accelerate the decomposition of dried plants and nourish the land for better plant growth in the new season," he said.