Digging cistanche and desert plants has been seriously prohibited. Those who are caught selling the shrubs are fined as much as 50,000 yuan (8,010 U.S. dollars).
In December last year, a four-year project with funding of 12.18 million U.S. dollars was launched. It looks scientifically at the causes of the problem affecting Lake Aibi, and seeks to restore the area's ecosystem through piloting various solutions.
As a result, birds that migrate to the lake have increased from 1.1 million to 1.4 million and from 111 kinds to 135 kinds.
However, the biggest problem, desertification, is not being properly addressed, in the view of Gao Xiang. He said no studies on controlling desertification have carried out so far.
Little improvement has been achieved despite all the efforts. The lake continues to shrink while Jinghe River and Bortala River reduce to mere brooks. "Should drought come, the two rivers will stop flowing into Lake Aibi at any time," said Huang Faxin.
Experts agree that more effective measures are urgently needed.
Utilizing water resources is the top priority. Three counties and the eight farms near the lake should plan their water usage together, said Li Chengyi, director of the nature reserve and wetland administrative office at the Forestry Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Li said the counties should promote water-saving trickle irrigation by providing subsidies to farmers.
Moreover, instead of developing water-intensive industries, the counties should work on third-tier industries including tourism that need less water and can bring more income to local residents, urged Li.
Landmark building should respect the public's feeling
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