Lhasa City, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China - Nov 26, 2024 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of researchers at work, collecting water samples with unmanned done
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhang Jifeng, professor, College of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University (ending with shot 3):
"Our goal is to test the nutrient components and water quality. In addition, we will use the water samples to analyze the environmental DNA, including algae, plankton, and other factors. A wide range of analyses will be conducted."
3. Various of researchers collecting water samples
4. Researchers putting unmanned surface vehicle into water
5. Various of unmanned surface vehicle sailing on water; facilities
6. Screen showing map of wetland
7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lamo Tsering, director, management bureau of Laru Wetland National Nature Reserve:
"This time, we will conduct an investigation in the central area of the wetland, with the primary goal of comprehensively reflecting the overall ecological situation and health status of the wetland. The data obtained from this investigation will be vital for the future protection and restoration of Laru Wetland."
8. Various of researchers at work

China launched a comprehensive investigation project into the ecological health status of Laru Wetland, the world's highest-altitude and largest urban natural wetland in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, on Tuesday.

The investigation will last for half a month, during which researchers will use advanced equipment, including unmanned drone and unmanned surface vehicle, to collect water samples and analyze water quality.

"Our goal is to test the nutrient components and water quality. In addition, we will use the water samples to analyze the environmental DNA, including algae, plankton, and other factors. A wide range of analyses will be conducted," said Zhang Jifeng, professor with the college of ecology and environment of Xizang University.

"This time, we will conduct an investigation in the central area of the wetland, with the primary goal of comprehensively reflecting the overall ecological situation and health status of the wetland. The data obtained from this investigation will be vital for the future protection and restoration of Laru Wetland," said Lamo Tsering.

The Laru wetland, located an elevation of 3,645 meters in the regional capital Lhasa, has a core area of 6.6 square kilometers.