(October 30, 2008) A recent poll by the Center for Studies in Contemporary Reality (CERC) suggests that a slim majority of Chileans continue to oppose energy company HidroAysén’s multi-billion-dollar plan to build five large-scale dams in Patagonia.
Chinese dam planner says upper Mekong dam impacts “limited”
(October 29, 2008) Last month in Vientiane, a spokesman for one of China’s largest dam planning agencies1 assured the Mekong River Commission (which includes the four lower Mekong countries of Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam) that dam-building on the upper Mekong would have only “limited impact” downstream.
Sinohydro seeks MIGA insurance for Mekong dams
(October 29, 2008) Sinohydro, the company that helped build China’s massive Three Gorges dam, has requested political risk insurance from the World Bank’s investment guarantee agency (MIGA) for the Nam Ngum 5 hydro project it is building in neighbouring Lao PDR.
Main works of Three Gorges Project finished a year ahead of schedule
(October 29, 2008) With the last turbo-generator in operation on the south bank of the Yangtze River at 9 a.m. Wednesday, the Three Gorges Project looks set to be completed one year ahead of construction schedule.
Wetlands expert: China should think outside the flooding box with Three Gorges Dam
“Nature is going to see something it’s never seen before. There is no ecosystem that has such an exaggerated change in flooding levels, even the Amazon River in South America. This annual variation in water levels will be unlike any other natural river system in the world. If done properly, ecological engineering can minimize some of the impact,” said Mitsch, also director of the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park at Ohio State.
Chile’s Hidroaysen threaten animal species, says CBI report
(October 27, 2008) The controversial HidroAysén hydroelectric dam project proposed for southern Chile’s Patagonia will put numerous native species at risk, according to a report by the Oregon-based Conservation Biology Institute (CBI). Threatened species include salmon on the Baker River, the torrent duck and Chile’s emblematic huemul deer.
U.S. Ex-Im bank decision on Three Gorges dam expected soon: American firms lobby to get green light
(December 21, 1995) The United States Export-Import Bank could decide next week whether to subsidize corporate America’s involvement in China’s controversial Three Gorges dam. The bank’s board of executive directors is expected to vote on the project once the current budget impasse is resolved.
American multinationals will plead for Canadian taxpayer subsidies if no US support is given for TG
(December 22, 1995) American multinationals that want contracts to build China’s massive Three Gorges dam will try to get financing from the Canadian government through their Canadian subsidiaries if the U.S. denies them public funds, according to the president of one American company hoping to cash in on the mega-project.
White House reportedly abandons effort to block Ex-Im aid for Three Gorges dam
(January 2, 1996) The White House has apparently distanced itself from its earlier advice to the Export-Import Bank to stay away from the Three Gorges dam in China, according to a report in the Journal of Commerce. American multinationals are now confident they will get support from the bank to help build the massive and controversial dam on China’s Yangtze River.
Three Gorges dam to create more refugees than expected, admit Chinese officials
(February 9, 1996) Chinese officials admitted last week that the number of people who will have to be moved to make way for the colossal Three Gorges dam is higher than originally expected.
International, Canadian environmentalists protest Canadian support for Three Gorges dam
(March 26, 1996) $12.5 million Export Development Corporation loan to Chinese government makes Canadian Taxpayers financiers of world’s "riskiest and most destructive dam project ever"
Drought leaves 78,000 people short of drinking water in central China
(October 22, 2008) Authorities in central China are considering closing polluting factories and opening a large reservoir to ease a drought that has left 78,000 rural people short of drinking water.
EVN slammed for fat bonus appeal despite loss claims
(October 21, 2008) Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) repeatedly proclaims its losses and lack of investment funds, but does not shy away from asking for huge bonuses to its staff, a National Assembly deputy said in a rebuke to an EVN request.
Lao dam argument doesn’t hold water
Laos has pinned its economic future on the Nam Theun 2 dam, but there is no buyer for its power and no commercial lenders in sight, writes Grainne Ryder.
Special report: Resettlement problems at Three Gorges dam continue unchecked
(April 7, 1999) Problems associated with the Three Gorges Dam resettlement programme have become so severe that relocatees have been officially petitioning the Central government to address them. Documents obtained by International Rivers Network reveal not only rampant corruption, extortion, falsification of data and inadequate compensation levels, but also the unwillingness of project managers in the Central government to address the situation is paving the way for serious conflict.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
Other News Sources
Probe International 