His Excellency
Zhou Wenzhong
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008

RE: Please protect the Nu River

Your Excellency,

I am writing to request that the Nu River, which forms part of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site, be protected for future generations. The Nu River is one of only two undammed rivers in China

The plan to build up to thirteen dams on the Nu River will have adverse impacts on one of the ecologically richest temperate regions of the world. This area is a treasure for the whole world, and should be protected for future generations, including those who will want to visit your country in the future. I am concerned that the dam projects will negatively affect the ecological integrity of the Nu River ecosystem and the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site. The area contains over 6,000 different plant species and is believed to support over 25% of the world's and 50% of China’s animal species. The dams will threaten the rich biodiversity of the area, affecting many rare and endangered species

I am also concerned about the way in which the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for these projects is being withheld. I understand that Chinese law requires the government to organize public hearings, expert panels or other means to solicit comments before approving a major project such as a dam. The release of the project's EIA is critical to assisting citizens in their right to participate in the decision-making process around building a major dam. I urge your government to release the EIA to the public before any further work is approved.

I urge the Chinese Government to take the necessary steps to protect the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site by permanently suspending all hydropower projects on the Nu River. As the Ambassador of China to the United States, I ask that you convey my message to Premier Wen Jiabao and the proper authorities.

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