Tibet Policy Institute Convenes Panel Discussion Titled “China’s Dam in Dege” on International Day of Action for Rivers

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Tibet Policy Institute Convenes Panel Discussion Titled “China’s Dam in Dege” on International Day of Action for Rivers. Photo / Tenzin Jigme / CTA

Dharamshala: The Tibet Policy Institute, a research centre affiliated with the Central Tibetan Administration, convened a panel discussion entitled “China’s Dam in Dege: Assessing the Social, Cultural, and Ecological Impact on Tibetans and Beyond” in commemoration of the International Day of Action for Rivers.

Held at DIIR Lhakpa Tsering Hall, CTA, Dharamshala, the event featured distinguished panellists including Research Fellow Dechen Palmo from the Tibet Policy Institute, CTA; Researcher Ngawang Lungtok from the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights & Democracy; and Senior Environmental Researcher Dr Lobsang Yangtso from the International Tibet Network, with moderation by Dr Tenzin Lhadon, Research Fellow of the Tibet Policy Institute, CTA.

Attendees representing various Tibetan NGOs and Tibetan media outlets gathered to participate in the insightful discussions.

TPI’s Deputy Director, Zamlha Tempa Gyaltsen, provided a comprehensive overview of the subject matter and introduced the esteemed panellists.

The panel discussion commenced with poignant opening remarks from each panellist, delving into the recent damming project and its multifaceted implications within their respective domains of expertise. Dechen Palmo from TPI underscored the socio-economic repercussions of the Dege Dam construction, urging affected downstream nations to unify and confront the issue with China.

Ngawang Lungtok from TCHRD shed light on the human rights dimensions, while Dr Lobsang Yangtso from ITN elucidated the environmental ramifications of the dam initiative.

The moderator articulated the primary objective of the panel discussion: to raise awareness about the recent damming endeavour in Dege, Kham, and its consequential displacement of Tibetan communities and religious institutions.

Following the panellists’ insights, the audience engaged with pertinent inquiries. The session, supported by USAID and NDI, concluded with a ten-point call to action, underscoring the imperative for collective advocacy and action on this pressing issue.

1. Cease Construction of Dams Without Local Consent: Considering the potential social, cultural, and ecological impacts of the ongoing dam construction in Derge, the Chinese government should halt the construction of all large hydropower dams which are against the needs and wishes of the local communities. Additionally, any forced relocations should cease immediately, and Tibetans unjustly detained for expressing their concerns should be unconditionally released, with proper medical care provided to the injured.

2. Enhance Transparency in Eco-Environment Information: The Chinese government should prioritise transparency by disclosing more information about hydropower development plans in Tibet’s major rivers, such as Drichu, Zachu, Machu, Gyalmo Ngulchu, Senge Tsangpo and Yarlung Tsangpo to ensure people’s right to be informed.

3. Increase Public Involvement in Environmental Decision-making: There should be improved public participation in planning and decision-making processes, including thorough Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for all development projects in Tibet. Public involvement in evaluating plans with potential adverse environmental impacts should be allowed to safeguard environmental rights.

4. Conduct Seismic Risk Assessments: Given Tibet’s high seismic activity, thorough seismic risk assessments are necessary to understand the potential risks posed by earthquakes to large dams and the millions of people living along Tibet’s rivers, including people in Tibet, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

5. Advocate for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent: Governments, NGOs, and civil society groups should advocate for genuine adherence to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent principles, ensuring proper compensation, resettlement, and preservation of cultural heritage before initiating any projects requiring local consent, particularly concerning dam construction in Tibet.

6. Disengage from Businesses Affecting Tibetan Environment: The international community should cease business relations with Chinese companies involved in environmentally detrimental activities, such as mining and dam construction in Tibet until there is a demonstrable improvement in human rights conditions for Tibetans and all social and environmental concerns are fully addressed.

7. Ratify Human Rights Treaties: China should promptly ratify crucial human rights treaties to protect local communities and indigenous inhabitants from coercion related to relocation or the destruction of culturally significant sites.

8. Recognise the Ecological Importance of Tibet: China and the global community should acknowledge the ecological significance of the Tibetan Plateau, recognising its biodiversity, influence on regional weather patterns, and its role in ensuring food and water security in Asia.

9. Address Colonial Behaviours in Tibet: Recognise and rectify the impact of Chinese colonial policies in Tibet since 1959, including resource extraction, dam construction, and forced resettlement of Tibetan nomads. Adopt a rights-based approach to protect frontline communities and respect traditional knowledge.

10. Cease Criminalisation of Environmental Defenders: The Chinese state should refrain from criminalising Tibetan environmental defenders and release all individuals, such as A-nya Sengdra and Karma Samdrup, detained for peaceful activism against dam construction and forced relocation in Tibet.