The Western Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project represents a major national strategy to alleviate water scarcity in Northwest China. At present

the project has established an integrated layout for upper and lower stream diversions and has developed a construction plan for its first phase. The water source area

located on the ecologically fragile Tibetan Plateau

is expected to face considerable environmental pressures as a result of project implementation. This paper summarizes the geographic and ecological characteristics of the water source area and examines the potential impacts of water diversion activitie on local natural ecosystems

biodiversity

and the development and utilization of water resources.In addition

it highlights the possible positive effects

such as improvements in aquatic habitats

flood mitigation

and ecological restoration in arid valleys. This paper emphasizes the importance of quantitative impact assessment in future studies to provide scientific

actionable guidance for the sustainable implementation of the Western Route Project.