This paper reviews the resources development, the industrial development, and the ecological conservation of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Based on the discussion of the regional characteristics and the sustainability of the development in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the driving factors of the sustainable development are identified and the strategy of the sustainable development of the Tibetan Plateau is put forward. The conclusions include:1) The Tibetan plateau is a special highland with rich natural resources but a fragile ecosystem, with a unique culture but underdeveloped economy. 2) The sustainability of the development in the Tibetan Plateau is improving in the last 30 years. However,with the accelerated population and economical growth, the relations between the human and the environment, as well as between the human and the wildlife become a serious issue. 3) The sustainable development of the Tibetan Plateau serves an important ecological protection barrier for China and Asia, with a long history and a cultural diversity in the ethnic community area, and with Plateau's distinctive characteristics in the ecological economic zone. 4) The strategy to promote the sustainable development of the Tibetan Plateau includes the regional development led by the eco-civilization construction, driven by the scientific-technology innovation, based on a good environment protection, enhanced by the moderate density economical and social development characterized and supported by the agricultural and pastoral harmonization.

Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau  /  sustainable development  /  climate change  /  man-land relationship  /  ecological security