Authorities tighten environmental rules to protect Qomolangma

The nation's highest supervisory body over environment is taking measures to reinforce protection of Qomolangma, the world's most vulnerable ecosystem known as Mt Everest in the West, by strengthening inspection and issuing stricter waste disposal requirements.

Liu Youbin, spokesman with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said that travelers bound for the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve registered a remarkable growth due to the local tourism development, putting more pressure to the reserve's protection.

He said the ministry, jointly with the Tibet autonomous region, amended mountaineering regulations and rules on the reserve's protection. Also, inspections were enhanced to regulate attractions below 5,200 meters above the sea level, and regular cleanups are in process to collect wastes around base camp.

Ecological infrastructure, including trash bins, eco-friendly toilets and moving restrooms, has installed along routes from the reserve's north entrance to base camp, he said. Mountain climbers were also offered portable toilets.

So far, the reserve's eco-environment has been greatly improved, Liu said. Junk heaps and waste water along routes from the region's Dingri county to the reserve were cleared by the local government, and waste disposal along hiking routes are also under control.

Liu said the ministry will consolidate the reserve's waste disposal and strictly review rule violations to better protect the natural reserve.