River Restoration in China: A Review of Local Efforts to Improve the Quality of Lotic Life

Abstract

The historical implementation of large river engineering projects in China highlights an inconsistency between humans resource needs and the integrity of rivers on which humans depend. Currently, China’s massive water projects have the attention of international media and the global scientific community, while a series of smaller, local projects designed to enhance the quality and function of rivers across China remains largely undocumented. The implementation of such small-scale restoration efforts signals an important paradigm shift related to environmental values and awareness in China, as national funding is diverted in a progressive campaign to support local restoration practices. Because of China’s substantial role in directing the health of the planet (Shapiro 2001), and with many developing countries struggling to manage limited supplies of clean water, it is important to highlight the successes and failures of China’s efforts to enhance the condition of its degraded riverine systems. The challenges and successes of these projects have important implications for global efforts, particularly in developing countries, to improve the quality, vitality, and utility of river systems.