In the Himalayas in China's Tibet (Chinese name Xizang Autonomous Region) last month, a fireworks show sparked controversy for destroying the natural ecosystem, and Chinese authorities punished the officials involved. Arc'teryx, the famous outdoor brand that organized the event, was held liable for compensation for environmental damage.
According to China's state-run English-language newspaper Global Times and the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 16th, Chinese authorities announced the findings the previous day of their investigation into the fireworks held on the Himalayas in Jiangzi County, Rikaze City, Tibet Autonomous Region, on the 19th.
The investigation found that after the fireworks, traffic by vehicles and people who took part in the event affected more than 30 ha of grassland. Concentrations of water and air pollutants did not exceed the standards.
The fireworks took place for about 52 seconds at an altitude of 4,670–5,020 meters. The duration itself was short, but the failure to properly collect firework residue and plastic fragments after the event was flagged as a problem. It was also presumed that the intense light and loud blasts that accompanied the fireworks startled wildlife momentarily.
The investigation also found that the event proceeded without sufficient review and written approval from the relevant authorities. The report noted that the fireworks constituted human disturbance carried out in an ecologically sensitive area.
According to the outlets, based on the findings, local authorities removed from their posts Party Secretary Chen Hao and Deputy County Chief and Public Security Bureau Chief Li Jiping, among others, and are investigating numerous related officials. A total of 10 people were subject to discipline, of whom 4 were dismissed.
Arc'teryx, the global outdoor brand that organized the event, was also held responsible under the law for compensating and restoring ecological and environmental damage. The specific compensation expense amount was not disclosed. Founded in Canada in 1991, Arc'teryx, together with its parent company Amer Sports of Finland, was acquired by China's sports brand Anta Group in 2019.
The fireworks, held on the 19th on the Himalayan plateau under the name "Shenglong (Ascending Dragon)," which created the image of a dragon ascending through multicolored fireworks, drew fierce criticism for destroying the natural ecosystem.