BBC News Feature : Les mégadams chinois et l'avenir de la diplomatie mondiale de l'eau

The Geneva Water Hub is proud to highlight the participation of its Director General, Professor Mark Zeitoun, in a recent episode of BBC’s "The Inquiry" exploring one of the world’s most pressing hydropolitical issues: Why is China building the world’s biggest dam?

As China continues to expand its dominance in hydropower, projects like the Baihetan Dam—one of the largest ever constructed—raise critical questions about regional power dynamics, environmental consequences, and the future of transboundary water governance. In his interview, Professor Zeitoun provides expert insights on how such megaprojects influence water security on a global scale.

The Geopolitical and Environmental Impacts of China’s Megadams

During the discussion, Professor Zeitoun highlights key issues related to large-scale dam construction:

• Shifting Geopolitical Power – Large dams can "significantly alter regional power dynamics", especially for downstream nations that depend on shared rivers.
• Environmental Risks – Hydropower projects disrupt river ecosystems, leading to "unintended ecological consequences" that affect biodiversity and local communities.
• The Need for Cooperation – Effective transboundary water governance is essential, as "transboundary dialogue is crucial to ensuring equitable resource distribution."

Geneva Water Hub’s Commitment to Water as an Instrument of Peace

At the Geneva Water Hub, we firmly believe that water should be a catalyst for peace, not a driver of conflict. Our mission is to support global efforts in water diplomacy, transboundary negotiations, and hydropolitical research, ensuring sustainable and equitable water resource management.

Why This Discussion Matters

Le changement climatique accélérant la raréfaction de l'eau, la gestion des ressources hydriques partagées n'a jamais été aussi cruciale. La stratégie chinoise de construction de barrages n'est qu'un exemple de la façon dont les projets d'infrastructure peuvent avoir des répercussions politiques et environnementales considérables. Au Geneva Water Hub, nous continuons à plaider en faveur de la coopération internationale pour prévenir les conflits liés à l'eau et favoriser des solutions durables.

Listen to the full BBC discussion featuring Professor Mark Zeitoun here: [BBC Podcast Link]