Core Viewpoint - The ecological protection and restoration efforts in the Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve have shown significant results, leading to improved biodiversity and enhanced ecological conditions in the region [1][2][5]. Group 1: Ecological Protection Measures - The Helan Mountain Nature Reserve, established in 1992, covers an area of 1.016 million acres and is crucial for the ecological safety of the Yellow River and surrounding plains [2][3]. - From 1999 to 2001, a total of 312,000 acres were designated as grazing prohibition areas, and 115 kilometers of fencing were installed around the reserve to enforce a complete ban on grazing [3]. - The region has seen substantial financial investment, with 760 million yuan allocated from 2016 to 2021 for ecological restoration projects, and an additional 5.78 billion yuan from 2021 to 2023 for mining ecological environment remediation [3][5]. Group 2: Biodiversity and Wildlife - The forest area within the reserve has increased from 368,000 acres before its establishment to 582,000 acres, with forest coverage rising from 31.6% to 57.3% [5]. - Wildlife populations have significantly increased, with the number of elk rising from over 2,000 in 2001 to over 7,000, and the population of rock sheep increasing from 16,000 to over 50,000 [5]. - The reserve has successfully recorded the presence of the endangered snow leopard for the first time in over half a century, indicating a positive trend in biodiversity [4][5]. Group 3: Ongoing Management and Future Plans - The reserve employs a comprehensive management strategy, including regular patrols and the use of drones for fire monitoring, achieving 75 years without major forest fires [4][5]. - Future plans include enhancing forest resource management, improving fire prevention measures, and promoting public participation in ecological protection efforts [6].