Probe International

(October 19, 2007) A top Three Gorges project planner Thursday refuted media reports that the ecology in the dam area has been damaged, stressing that environmental protection has always been a priority. "While environmental impact is inevitable, we should recognize that the project has brought more ecological benefit than harm," Li Yong’an said, adding that he was surprised to read reports about "played-up" hidden ecological dangers last month.

(October 17, 2007) EU, World Bank to help China clean Yellow, Yangtze rivers.

(October 15, 2007) As recently as 2004, the official China Daily was still emitting happy talk about the Three Gorges project’s "achievements in environmental protection of the area." But now comes word that the warnings of Dai Qing and others were true.

(October 13, 2007) SEPA, China’s environmental watchdog, could be expanded or given Cabinet-level status by March to enforce policies aimed at fighting chronic pollution, a top Chinese government adviser said on Friday.

(October 12, 2007) The recent announcement by Chinese officials that a new relocation plan is necessary to protect the Three Gorges dam reservoir area has prompted the concern of critics. Probe International’s Grainne Ryder points out that the first resettlement program was never properly assessed and that "local officials are in the dark" for this second move, which "will likely provoke more conflict and social unrest."

(October 9, 2007) Recent revelations about the problems at the Three Gorges Dam may be part of an attempt by senior Chinese officials to distance themselves from the controversial hydropower project, say Probe International’s executive director, Patricia Adams, and Probe International Fellow, Dai Qing.