The great thaw

She cites one measure: rural residents have been asked to keep their yaks and cows from overgrazing in the grasslands.

Lately, the county has focused its attention on garbage disposal in the Meili nature reserve.

Empty soda and juice cans, abandoned plastic bags and used paper tissues are the main items that litter parts of the area despite the availability of garbage bins.

Groups of workers collect the trash in big bags and bring them to trucks that then transport it to a central facility in the town.

"The rubbish is burned and the remains are used for making bricks at a waste compression unit," Ge Du, the deputy director of the county's environment protection agency, says.

"To increase awareness among locals, the county government is sending officials to colleges to talk to the youth. And for tourists, we have put up anti-littering signage at scenic spots" he adds.

But even as the local government works on enhancing awareness about environmental protection, the paucity of funds for such projects remains, the official says.