Hydrology and Environmental Protection

　　Laced with rivers and lakes, Tibet has abundant water and hydropower resources. Total water resources and theoretical hydropower reserves rank first in the nation. A 38-million-kw hydropower station can be built on the Yarlung Zangbo River. Over the past four decades, hydrological workers have provided many materials for the departments of water conservancy, hydropower, urban construction and communication, and offered important information for flood-prevention measures. In addition, they played a major role in establishment of the Yamzhog Yumco Lake and Zhigung power stations, and in the planning of major river valleys including the Lhasa and Ngang Qu rivers.
　　 In regard to environmental protection, thanks to the correct guidance of governments at all levels and scientific research administrative departments, as well as the Tibetan people's traditional respect for holy mountains and waters, the natural environment has been well preserved. Future environmental work will focus on adopting scientific management measures to maintain ecological balance.
　　 In addition, scientific research work has been carried out and recorded many achievements in forestry, surveying and mapping, and water conservancy.