Protecting Tibet's ecology is China's responsibility, as is ensuring a happy life for the Tibetans. Keeping a balance between the two is central to Tibet's development.
The Chinese central government's unflinching stand has been that the Tibet autonomous region should implement tailor-made development policies. In the late 1950s, Tibet went through democratic reforms that ended serfdom in the territory.
Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, plans to spend 110 million yuan ($17.89 million) on developing Bainang county, in the Xigaze prefecture of the Tibet autonomous region.
A massive reconstruction project valued at nearly 7 billion yuan is underway in the eastern part of the Tibet autonomous region that will eventually provide homes, neighborhoods and virtually a new city for over 1,000 families in Qamdo township.
Nearly 100 speakers from 36 countries and regions shared their thoughts on sustainable development, environmental protection and cultural diversity in Tibet.
Assistance from Beijing and other regions has helped improve local livelihoods and set the plateau on path to sustainable development.
Ngari Prefecture in southwest China's Tibet autonomous region plans to have a 2,500-square-km plateau formally recognized for its unobstructed view of the night sky.