The Three Gorges Dam Project: The Need for a Comprehensive Assessment

By Marian E. Sullivan

This note discusses the factors involved in deciding whether to fund a project the size of the Three Gorges Dam. The author examines the goals for the Three Gorges Dam Project as set out by the Chinese government and describes the largest potential social and environmental impacts of the Project. China's general dilemmas regarding its energy sector environment are included in this examination of the Dam Project.

In addition, Sullivan compares the environmental guidelines of the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank (WB), highlighting the benefits of an assessment of the Project under the USAID or WB guidelines. Finally, the author suggests the factors that should be included in a proper environmental assessment by the Ex-Im Bank, concluding that USAID and WB guidelines are critical components of the analysis.