The State Council has approved a national territorial spatial plan for Xizang Autonomous Region for the 2021-2035 period, according to an official reply released on April 25.

According to the reply, by 2035, the total area of cultivated land in Xizang should be at least 6.3162 million mu, and the red line area for ecological protection should not be less than 606,900 square kilometers.

Xizang is asked to vigorously participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, make joint efforts to build a new land-sea corridor in the western region, and align Xizang’s development with those in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, thus integrating into and contributing to the creation of a new development pattern as well as promoting high-quality development.

The reply also stressed the need to forge a strong ecological shield for Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, strengthen protection of its biodiversity and build agricultural bases with plateau characteristics.

More efforts will be made to ensure development space for special industries suited to local conditions, such as clean energy, mining, and light industries.

In addition, protection for natural and cultural heritages should also be enhanced, the reply said.