Excessive livestock grazing in Tibet has caused grassland degradation. Preferential policies have been introduced by the central government, to ensure a balance between sustainable development and demand for livestock business.

Excessive livestock grazing in Tibet has caused grassland degradation. Preferential policies have been introduced by the central government, to ensure a balance between sustainable development and demand for livestock business.

The adoption of a sustainable method for raising livestock has been a must in Nakchu county, central Tibet, after years of overgrazing under poor natural conditions.

Luoya, a longtime herdsmen is considering selling 65 sheep this year. The 74-year-old has spent his whole life raising livestock. However, in recent decades, due to the excessive increase of the number of livestock, the overloaded pasture has become fragile. Like many other herdsmen, Luoya is considering reducing the number of livestock he owns, which is his major source of income.

Therefore, a preferential policy was issued in May this year by the central government. It says if herdsmen can reduce the number of excessive livestock based on the grazing capacity, they can receive subsidiaries. Luoya took the lead in the village for this initiative, and has reduced the number of his sheep by over 400.

Luoya, Herdsman, said, "The policy is great, the pasture is our life. Although the number of livestock has dropped, the pasture has become the best ever, it's thicker and more dense. Livestock can also be sold at a higher price. "

Rewards are used by herdsmen to buy home appliances. Local governments even distribute cooking stoves to them.