The region hosts the sources of the Yangtze, the Yellow and the Lancang rivers. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Their work takes them into the wild for two to seven days at a time, depending on the distance. The rangers, who receive annual training, are paid 1,800 yuan ($260) a month.

Songbao says local residents' environmental awareness is being continually enhanced.

"Generations of us have lived on this land. We are willing to do the protection work, even if we don't get paid," he says.

Since Sanjiangyuan became a national park, the national and provincial governments have issued documents to guide the reform and integration of various local departments to streamline the management of the entire region, including Hoh Xil.

For example, in Zhiduo, several government departments engaged in environmental protection, such as the land and resources bureau and the water resources bureau, have been integrated into the same organization, supervised by Sanjiangyuan's management bureau.

The reform has been helpful because it has clarified the responsibilities of the different bureaus, says Cairen, deputy director of the new organization.

Contact the writer at liuxiangrui@chinadaily.com.cn