Interbasin transfer projects and their implications: A China case study

In large countries with sharp temporal and spatial variation in water resources, interbasin water transfer projects seem to be an ultimate solution to ease water shortage and secure a balanced economic development among different regions. However, such projects are prone to problems and controversies, and may challenge the established basin management, legal system and policy making procedure which are taken for granted until such projects are put under consideration. This paper presents a review of interbasin water transfer projects in China and recent developments in the feasibility study of the South‐to‐North water transfer project involving the Yangtze River and the Yellow River basins. Its impacts on the water law, policy‐making procedures, existing basin management method, as well as on the natural environment, are also discussed.