A group of diplomats, media professionals and other international visitors recently gathered in the city of Nyingchi in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region to learn about how one local community is balancing green development with environmental protection.

The visit comes ahead of the 2023 Xizang Development Forum in Beijing, scheduled for May 23.

"I came 25 years ago when I was a student. I was studying in China and I came here. I went to Lhasa and around. Everyone says it's the Switzerland of Tibet, right? I think it's very true because you can see the snow-capped mountains. It's very beautiful," said Anke Redl, managing director of China Media Monitor Intelligence.

Known as Tibet's Mother River, the Yarlung Zangbo River runs more than 500 kilometers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, nurturing a rich culture. Along the water, Zhaxigang Village in Lulang Township draws travelers closer to nature.

"We have 314 people in 67 households, and there are 51 family hotels. You barely see any garbage in our village. We cut trees every year and follow regulations by planting new ones. No house is built on farmland. It's part of Tibetan culture that people need to respect and revere nature," said Zhou Linfeng, who heads the Zhaxigang Village Working Team.

During their stay in Nyingchi, diplomats praised Tibet's efforts to balance development with environmental protection.

"This is my first visit to Tibet. I've spent four years in China. The scenery and the landscape are just mesmerizing, captivating. From what I've seen yesterday and today, the communities and villages of Tibet have grown and been alleviated from poverty. While in that process of development, they are also safeguarding their environment. Lucid waters, lush mountains. Those are the words of His Excellency President Xi Jinping. And that signifies a lot of things. These are valuable assets. Why? Because this gives sustenance to mankind. From the two days I've been here, I think Tibet is doing a great job in addressing that," said Manasa Tagicakibau, ambassador of the Republic of Fiji to China.

On April 26, 2023, Chinese lawmakers voted to adopt a landmark law on ecological conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It imposes penalties on travelers who litter on the plateau, ensuring the "roof of the world" is ready to welcome more visitors to explore the local culture in a clean and beautiful environment.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)