Protecting the environment is a tradition for local people, and the government is willing to sacrifice development in exchange for "preserving verdant hills and green waters", according to the chairman of the Tibet autonomous region.

Lobsang Jamcan told China Daily that as aboriginals living on the Tibet Plateau - also known as the "roof of the world" and the "third pole" - Tibetans and other ethnic groups have developed a special sentiment and philosophy toward nature.

"Tibetans know we have to get along with nature harmoniously, or we will be punished," he said. "The interpretation (of the punishment) in Tibetan Buddhism is karma."