12 In Search of the Grassroots: Hydroelectric Politics in Northwest Yunnan

Rural Politics in Contemporary China

“…The building of large hydropower dams has led to the involuntary resettlement of millions of peasants. Plans for new dams, particularly along the Nu River, have also been targets of local protest and mobilization by environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) (Büsgen 2006, Litzinger 2007, Yang and Calhoun 2007 as well as the source of much bureaucratic infighting (Mertha 2008). Other development efforts, including those designed to improve the environment, have also led to large-scale resettlement of farmers and pastoralists (Yeh 2009).…”

Policy Advocacy Coalitions as Causes of Policy Change in China? Analyzing Evidence from Contemporary Environmental Politics

“…They also criticized the proponents' information monopoly and urged the central government to incorporate voices of diverse stakeholders including local residents in the decision-making process (Mertha 2008). In addition to Chinese domestic ENGOs and journalists, NGOs from Southeast Asian countries, international NGOs (INGOs), and the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO joined the opposition campaign (Litzinger 2007). These entities added an international dimension to this policy dispute.…”

“…NGOs from Southeast Asia collaborated with Chinese ENGOs by sharing their knowledge of the project (Litzinger 2007). In a joint petition drive, Southeast Asian NGOs exerted pressure on the Chinese government to reconsider the project given the dams' potential impacts on farming and fishing in downstream countries.…”

River! River! River! A Minjian Eco-Theatre

“…has not yet been able to take "environmental theatre" to the actual Three Rivers area, due to budgetary and logistics needs. One of the chief audience groups the play is designed to reach, therefore, has not yet become part of the theatre community, and it seems likely that the river inhabitants probably do not need any form of eco-theatre-a pastime that can hardly help them resolve the most pressing problems affecting their lives (see Litzinger 2007). To the local residents who would rather move out of the Three Rivers area instead of remaining to preserve their natural and cultural heritage, the urban intellectuals' appreciation for nature and impulse for empowerment and transformation could seem rather misplaced.…”