虎跳峡でのダム建設が白紙に

英語でタイガー・リーピング・ゴージTiger Leaping Gorgeと呼ばれる中国雲南省の虎跳峡でのダム建設が白紙となった。1993年の対外開放以来バックパッカーの間では虎跳峡を数日かけて徒歩で抜けるのがお決まりルートとなっており沿路にゲストハウスがあるほか、この地域にはナシ族などを含む10万人が居住しておりダム建設の中止は観光業にとって福音といえる。ただ水力発電ダム建設はこれで終わりではなく、金沙江をせき止める事が三峡ダムの土砂堆積を防ぐと考えられていることから揚子江上流の金沙江での水力発電ダム建設は推し進められると思われる。

The area has traditionally been home to more than 100,000 residents, most of whom are from the Naxi ethnic minority. Since opening to foreign tourists in 1993, the gorge has seen a steady increase in tourist visits, which has led to road improvements and construction of several guesthouses along the 'high road' above the river.

http://gokunming.com/en/blog/item.php?blog_id=468

But it is unlikely that hydropower construction will come to a halt in what remains a remote and energy-poor region. Officials have turned their attention to sites further upstream and are proceeding with several other giant dams, partly to meet commitments to supply power to the eastern coast and to neighbouring countries such as Vietnam and Burma.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2233043,00.html