Following a ten year struggle to eliminate poaching and protect the environment, the Tibetan antelopes in the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve and other endangered species native to the Tibetan plateau are finally free from the hunting rifle, and the population growth of wild animals has resumed. However speculation over eco-tourism in Hoh Xil has continued in recent years. Whether the last piece of virgin soil will be opened up to eco-tourism has become a debate open for public discussion.

 
A group of Tibetan antelopes stop along their way while feeding themselves around in the Hol Xil Natural Reserve on July 25, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

Speculation and controversy over eco-tourism brings no peace to Hoh Xil

In May 2005, a tourist agency in Qinghai Province launched an in-depth tour of Hoh Xil tour package, promising tourist's entry into Hoh Xil's no man's land and a unique travel experience. This tour plan deceived hundreds of interested tourists in places like Shanghai and Guangzhou. Their hopes were dashed by the stern warning of the Hoh Xil Administrative Bureau, which said that the administrative bureau prohibits any tourist groups from entering and touring the nature reserve.

No Man's Land cannot be troubled any more

The speculation and controversy over eco-tourism in Hoh Xil has attracted the attention of China's Forestry Bureau, national and international environmental protection organizations and the Hoh Xil Administrative Bureau. Assistant director of China's Forestry Bureau Yin Hong clearly stated that The Hoh Xil Nature Reserve will not open its core and buffer regions to tourists. Right now Hoh Xil needs protection and loving care from society, not debate about so-called eco-tourism.

Some domestic environmentalists also warned, Hoh Xil has suffered so much hardship and needs to recover. After experiencing so much bloodshed, the Tibetan antelopes need peace and harmony. We remind those interested in touring Hoh Xil Please do not disturb this place.

Creating a peaceful environment for the Tibetan antelopes

Since 1998 when armed poachers started hunting, a group of vigilante rangers began a series of long-term anti-poaching activities in Hoh Xil's no man's land, 4,500 meters above sea level, allowing Hoh Xil to finally be free from poachers.

While eco-tourism can bring considerable economic benefit to the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, it will also put unbearable pressure on the environment in protected areas. Luo Yanhai, a Hoh Xil Administrative Bureau ranger said that anti-poaching activity achievements should not be undermined by new dangers brought by eco-tourism. Peace and harmony in the ecologically-valuable no man's land should be eternally protected.