The Three Gorges Dam Project in China - Essay Example

The Three Gorges Dam Project in China The human population is increasing exponentially annually. Often, the rise in population dictates increase in productivity of resources and other products in order to meet the demand. In relation to this assertion, it is evident that China is one of the countries in the world that is experiencing an exponential growth of population in addition to industrialization. It is as a result of the increase in population that the demand for electricity rose in China leading to the construction of the “Three Gorges Dam”, the largest dam in the world. The construction of the dam was aimed at satisfying not only industrial demand, but also the demand of the Chinese. Unfortunately, the construction of this dam was associated with causation of serious ecological problems in the coming years (Wu et al., 2004). In tandem with this argument, the paper aims at expounding on China’s Three George Dam (TGD) as one of the population triggered product that contributes to the occurrence of ecological problems. The construction of the TGD has many controversies. Many ecologists and scientists have expressed concern over the implication of TGD to the environment. In relation to this, one could wish to know how TGD affects biodiversity, as well as the environmental conditions of the region. As it was introduced above, TGD is built on the Yangtze River, one of the longest rivers in the world. The total area covered by the dam is approximately 58,000km2. The location of the dam has a large number of terrestrial as well as aquatic species. The rich biodiversity correlates with the distinctive geographic location of the setting of the dam. For instance, it is claimed that the region has 36 endemic plant species and many ancient as well as rare species (Wu et al., 2004). The raising of the water level as a result of the construction of the dam unfortunately led to approximately 100 mountaintops as well as ridges to become landbridge islands. In relation to this, it is evident that some plant, as well as animal populations in addition to other species, was completely or partially lost to inundation because of damming (Reynolds, 2011). The impact of the dam is likely to go beyond merely shrinking the total area covered by terrestrial habitats. “TGD has a number of impacts on the terrestrial biodiversity and ecological processes at multiple levels of biological organizations and over a range of spatial and temporal scales” (Wu et al., 2004, p.244). Many plant communities became extinct, and it is estimated that approximately 34 local plant communities will be flooded including some vegetation found only TGD region. Unfortunately, the loss of habitat as a result of extinction of some plants will lead to the disappearance of animals that lack the ability of migrating uphill (Reynolds, 2011). Additionally, the habitat fragmentation as a result of the construction of the dam affected the terrestrial biodiversity as well as ecological processes of the area. Habitat loss in addition to environmental alterations as a result of the construction of TGD will also affect aquatic biota in the region surrounding the dam. Dams are associated with the disruption of the natural seasonal flow patterns that enhance the survival of animals adapted to it; they destroy spawning grounds as well as migratory paths. They also fragment aquatic populations. For instance, it is evident that some rare aquatic species have become under threat because of the construction of TGD. Good examples of animals that have been affected by the installation of TGD on the Yangtze River include ancient fish species like Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinesis). It is also evident that many other migratory species are affected by TGD. In relation to this argument, TGD affects over 40 fish species in the region. The construction of TGD also affected the agricultural production of that region. This is evidenced by the fact that the choice of site for the dam led to the resettlement of about 1.2 million who were involved in carrying out agricultural activities in that region. In relation to this, it is evident that the project led to the destruction of the forested areas. Thus, it is apparent that the construction of the dam led to the loss of a biological hot spot. Additionally, it is argued that the reservoir inundation, as well as the resettlement of about 1.2 million people, affected approximately 36 types of vegetation which consist of about 550 plant species. Maintenance fish population, as it were before the construction of the dam, is also one of the ecological issues in China. “Yangtze River has approximately 361 species of fish which account for 36% of all freshwater fish species in China” (Lopez-Pujol & Ponseti, 2006, p.11). Out of the 361 species, 177 constitute of the endemic fish species. 25 of the 177 species that account for 27% of the freshwater fish species in China had endangered status. Thus, the installation of the project must have led to the extinction of the endangered species. Riverine mammals such as the manatees, dugong not living out the Chinese river dolphin were also affected by the installation of the project in River Yangtze. Additionally, alteration of the food web and physical injuries in addition to noise disturbance from increased navigation contributed to the population decline of most of the species. The resolution of the ecological problems associated with the construction of TGD included the establishment of national as well as local nature preserves for the plants, fish and animals displaced from the region. Maintenance of the germplasm banks will also contribute significantly to the conservation of the species (Lopez-Pujol & Ponseti, 2006). The Chinese government is also advocating reforestation in order to prevent sedimentation as well as regulate the flow of River Yangtze. In conclusion, the construction of the TGD in China is one of the causes of the ecological crisis in China. It led to the displacement of fauna and flora from the region. In relation to this, it led to the extinction of both plant and animal species under threat in China. Plants and endemic fish species are the ones that were highly affected by the project. The solution to the ecological problems caused by the construction of TGD includes establishment of national and local preserves for the plants, fish, and animals relocated from the region. Reforestation will also contribute significantly to the management of the problems associated with the construction of the dam. References Lopez-Pujol, J. & Ponseti, M. (2006). The Three Gorges Dam Project in China: History and Consequences. Reynolds, I. (2011). Impact of the Three Gorges Dam. JCCC Honors Journal. Wu, J. et al. (2004). The Three Gorges Dam: an Ecological Perspective. Front Ecol Environ, 2(5): 241-248. Read More