Local shepherds in the "Valley of the Cats" in northwest China are benefiting from the local government's ecological protection policies that have brought jobs and tourists to the nature reserve.

Located in Zadoi County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, the valley has an altitude of about 4,000 meters. Nestled on the Tibetan Plateau with the Lancang River running through it, the "Valley of the Cats" supports a large population of rare animals, especially snow leopards and leopards.

Local shepherds traditionally relied on herding and the picking of herbs for a living, which was highly weather-dependent. However, under the ecological protection policy, hard-working shepherds have now found new jobs in ecological protection and tourism.

By setting up the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve and establishing a monitor and research base in the valley, the local government made sure that every local household received a job as an ecological ranger.

"Our Angsai Town has a total of 1,516 rangers, covering every household," said Sonam Tenzin, the deputy head of Angsai Town.

The rangers are not the only ones seeking out the snow leopards as tourists flock to see the rare animal in its natural habitat, and also to experience everything else the area has to offer.

The villagers also offer travelers the experience of staying at their homes, which earns them an extra income.

"I lead tourists to see animals like snow leopards, and I am so happy about it. The tourists see snow leopards, so they are happy too," said Tsring Nyima, a local villager.

This new industry brought in an income of more than one million yuan (about 150,000 U.S. dollars) for the valley last year. The villagers who ran the tourism business received 45 percent of the total income and the other 55 percent was saved as public funds owned by the villages which regularly paid dividends.

In this way, the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture successfully alleviated the poverty two years ago.

Go green and live rich

Ecological poverty alleviation is a poverty reduction model that combines ecological protection with poverty alleviation. Some areas suffer from poverty due to their harsh natural environment, while others lack sustainable and scientific ways to make use of natural resources. Through participation in ecological protection and development of ecological industries, villagers can be lifted out of poverty while protecting Mother Nature. This series not only uncovers the stories behind China's poverty alleviation policy but also depicts the life of ordinary people.

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Li Jingjie, video edited by Zhao Ying)

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