| [00:04.78] |
The Tibetan plateau is a quarter of China |
| [00:11.18] |
Much of it is extremely remote and inhospitable |
| [00:16.22] |
Its southern border runs through the world's highest mountain range |
| [00:20.84] |
the formidable Himalayas |
| [00:27.66] |
Its central part is a windswept and freezing wilderness the size of Western Europe |
| [00:37.6] |
But this challenging place is home to incredible wildlife |
| [00:41.82] |
There are more large creatures here than anywhere else in China |
| [00:57.28] |
Tibet has been a province of China for more than 50 years |
| [01:01.4] |
yet it has a unique character, shaped by over 1,000 years of Tibetan Buddhism |
| [01:11.26] |
This obscure and archaic-looking religion has produced one of the most enlightened cultures on earth |
| [01:20.14] |
Here, people have a long tradition of co-existing peacefully with the creatures and landscape around them a relationship |
| [01:29.65] |
which has helped to protect their fragile environment |
| [01:37.93] |
In this programme we will discover why this harsh land with its ancient culture |
| [01:42.60] |
is vitally important for much of our planet |
