The sacred Amnye Machen Mountain, revered by many as one of Tibet‘s four holy mountains, is facing a rapid decline in its snow cover, as highlighted in a recent video by the Plateau Nature Conservancy of Qinghai province, according to the Tibet Times. Despite the alarming rate of glacier melt, mining activities around the mountain continue to expand, posing a significant threat to the region’s environmental health and the local communities dependent on it.
The video titled ‘the change of Amnye Machen,’ reveals that the sacred mountain’s snow is melting at an average of 17 meters annually. A local Tibetan nomad, who has observed the mountain since 1986, noted a drastic reduction in snow levels, which has affected not only the flora and fauna around the mountain but also the livelihoods of the nomadic communities living nearby. “From 2017 to 2023, the snow of Amnye Machen has melted 17 meters each year,” the nomad stated, as reported by Tibet Times.
This significant reduction in snow cover has led to the drying up of numerous water springs that are essential for the local ecosystems and the communities. Furthermore, the rapid melting contributes to the accelerated growth of plant life in the area, indicating a rise in temperature. The changes are also impacting local wildlife, including snow leopards, and altering the traditional lifestyles of the nomadic people.
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Despite these environmental challenges, mining operations continue unabated. Since 1993, the Qinghai West Copper Mining Company has been extracting minerals in the area, with notable expansion over the past 27 years. The mining has not only polluted the sacred mountain but also the nearby Guchu River, rendering its water undrinkable and harmful to the local wildlife.
The local community has made several appeals to stop the mining operations due to the adverse environmental impacts. However, their pleas have been largely ignored. In 2017, a formal appeal was sent to the central government authorities to cease the mining activities, yet no effective measures have been taken.
As Amnye Machen’s environmental crisis worsens, the need for immediate action becomes more urgent. The mountain, apart from its ecological importance, holds great spiritual value for the Tibetan people, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually. The ongoing environmental degradation not only threatens this sacred site but also the cultural heritage and natural resources crucial for the survival of the local Tibetan communities.
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