Rangeland degradation near Maduo has seen green grass give way to sand as climate changes have dried up the land. In 2012 rainfall has increased and some hold hope of a wetter future for the millions relying on the Yellow river downstream. Builders are constructing a new highway to Yushu town which will speed up modernisation of the region.Sanjiangyuan - The three rivers headwaters. The Tibetan plateau is the world's third pole, producing fresh water for billions downstream. In China, the future of the nation depends on how this water tower is conserved. Where the Yangtze, Yellow and Mekong rivers begin, Tibetan nomads are moving to protect the land, its wildlife and in the process their ancient culture from melting away in the face of resettlement and urbanisation.