Arc\x26#39;teryx-Cai's Xizang Himalayan Fireworks Trigger Ecological Concerns, Legal Probe
On September 19, outdoor brand Arc'teryx collaborated with artist Cai Guoqiang to set off artistic fireworks in the Relong area of Gyantse County, Himalayas, Xizang (at an altitude of about 5,500 meters). Relevant videos quickly drew public attention after being posted online. Focusing on the fragility of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's ecosystem, netizens raised strong doubts about the potential environmental impact of setting off fireworks in this high-altitude region.
A nomadic studies expert pointed out: "The Himalayas are part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where the ecological environment is extremely fragile. Even biodegradable materials can damage the ecosystem, and fireworks residues—being chemical substances—can harm alpine meadow soil, water sources, and flora and fauna."
"This is not a change noticeable in a day or two; it requires long-term monitoring," the expert said. "If the alpine meadows here are damaged and grassland quality declines, such grassland resources will be very hard to restore." From the expert's view, "Sacrificing the ecological environment for art is not worthwhile."
Notably, the Shigatse Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment initially told the media that the event "had compliant procedures and no local ecological damage so far." But as public opinion escalated, the local government stated on September 21 that it had formed an investigation team to rush to the site for verification, and subsequent actions would be taken in accordance with laws and regulations based on the verification results.
On September 21, Cai Guoqiang's studio and Arc'teryx successively released apology statements, responding to the ecological controversy caused by their collaborative "Ascending Dragon" fireworks art project in the Himalayas of Xizang.
No comments:
Post a Comment