(March 22, 2002) The six Southeast Asian countries that share the waters of the Mekong River risk being swept into a regional conflict if their governments ignore the flash points that have surfaced and do not coordinate actions that affect the river, experts say.
Field investigations of the Belize Scarlet Macaw (ara macao cyanoptera)
(March 25, 2002) The purpose of this two week field investigation was primarily aimed at re-documenting the speculated local commuting route of the Belize Scarlet Macaw.
Green energy begins to make sense
(March 21, 2002) ‘While going green has consensus with the Chinese leadership, much depends on government will if renewable energy such as solar, wind and geothermal are to emerge as significant sources in China’s overall energy mix.’
Three Rivers hydro-electric project checked by World Heritage status
‘Willingness to respond positively to the fears about the Nujiang hydro-power development would certainly further enhance [China’s] standing in an area of global policy which presents one of the 21st century’s greatest challenges.’
No progress in villagers’ plight seen
(March 20, 2002) Protesters in Chiang Mai condemn PM’s Office for failing to talk to them about assistance for people affected by the EDC-financed Mae Moh power plant.
China launches belated archaeological rescue
(March 19, 2002) As with the Three Gorges dam, where a lack of funding and co-ordination led to a hasty archeological rescue, many cultural experts fear the government’s response has also been too little, too late with the south-north water diversion project.
Dirty dam draws dirty smelters
(March 19, 2002) China has been involved in building the Bakun dam in Malaysia’s eastern Sarawak state, and is now eyeing the problem-riddled project’s surplus electricity to run an energy-hungry and polluting aluminum-smelting operation.
Pace and scope of protest in China accelerated in ’05
(March 19, 2002) ‘The scale of unrest is extraordinary for any country in peacetime, with an average of 240 incidents each day.’
Big dam beset by big money troubles
(March 19, 2002) The cost of moving people to make way for the Three Gorges dam has soared hundreds of millions of dollars over budget and is one reason project managers are now scrambling to resolve funding problems, a respected Chinese publication reports.
Mekong water level low due to Chinese dam
(March 16, 2002) The water level of the Mekong river has reached a record low partly because the spillways of a Chinese dam were closed to prepare for rock blasting on the banks of the river.
Mekong to get a make-over
(March 16, 2002) A plan to remove obstructing river reefs will clear the way for more trade between China, Burma, Laos and Thailand but there could be a downside, say some.
Chinese PM warns on rural unrest
(March 15, 2002) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said that land seizures by local authorities are a key threat to rural stability. ‘We absolutely can’t commit an historic error over land problems,’ Mr Wen said.
Chinese leader blames rural unrest on greedy land grabbing
(March 14, 2002) Prime Minister Wen Jiabao says land grabs by officials eager to cash in on China’s booming economy are provoking mass unrest in the countryside and amount to a ‘historic error’ that could threaten national stability.
Legislator calls for scrutiny of water-diversion scheme
(March 14, 2002) In a sign that China’s rubber-stamp legislature is getting more assertive, a legislator has contended that projects concerning national strategy need to be examined and approved by the National People’s Congress (NPC), adding that a case in point is the gigantic South-North Water-Diversion Project.
Is “keeping in step with the Party” good for the environment?
(March 13, 2002) Acclaimed environmental journalist Dai Qing looks back at some key moments in the political history of the Three Gorges dam – and sees a glimmer of hope ahead.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
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