China plans to invest more than 20 billion yuan (US$2.63 billion) to protect the eco-system on the Tibet plateau, said a local official on Sunday.

The plan covers a dozen projects listed under the 2006-2030 program on protection and construction of the eco-system on the "roof of the world," a main part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, said the official with the development and reform commission of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

These projects include construction of a nature reserve, protection of natural forests, restoration of grasslands and pastures, harnessing and prevention of desertification, and prevention of geological disasters.

The plan, to be approved soon, will span about 20 years.

"In the first five years, the investment from the central government will total 7 to 8 billion yuan," the official said.

The Tibet plateau boasts various kinds of plants and vegetation due to unique landforms and different weather conditions.

Tibet is a region with immense biological diversity and is a major gene bank ensuring global biodiversity. However, the local eco-system is very fragile and difficult to recover after being damaged.

Analysts say the implementation of the national plan will help ease the pressure posed by global warming on the local environment and could ensure sustainable development in the region.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2007)