The WWF is delighted that an agreement has been made with The China Three Gorges Corporation to cooperate on a number of fronts in an effort to limit the negative impact of the Three Gorges Project on the Yangtze River ecosystem.

While hydropower is one of the most promising possible sources for clean, renewable energy, more than 60 percent of the world’s longest rivers have been fragmented by dams, leading to the destruction of wetlands and a decline in freshwater species.

The WWF has identified the Yangtze as one of its 35 global priority protection areas. The organisation has a long history of work focusing on bio-diversity, river-lake linkages, as well as freshwater and wetlands conservation.

Its expertise in these departments will allow the WWF to provide technical support on a number of issues and to highlight where the corporation may need to improve its environmental protection measures.

According to the memoranda of understanding signed in Beijing on Sunday, the two sides will use international standards for sustainable hydropower generation and promote the sustainable operation of the project, and boost research on Yangtze basin water resource management.

The two sides will also strengthen communication on the features of the project, both between the corporation and the WWF and between the corporation and other similar projects ongoing around the world.

As well as this the co-operation will give both sides a chance to present an improved image of the hydropower industry. The Three Gorges Project has been subject to much bad press focussing on the negative environmental impact it has had on the surrounding region, so both the WWF and CTGC will be seeking to raise public awareness of the environmental protection features of the project.

Cao Guangjing, CTGC board chairman, said the company is ready to play a leading role in sustainable hydropower development:

“As a company understanding its social responsibilities, we are open to establish a long-term, friendly and deep cooperation relationship with the WWF, which is an influential non-governmental organization that works to realize good social, economic and environmental outcomes.”

The WWF will welcome this attitude, as being able to limit the environmental impact of hydropower dams will increase their viability as a real alternative to fossil fuel-burning power plants.

The Three Dams Project generates 84.7 billion kWh of electricity annually, or the equivalent of 50 million tons of coal.

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