Improving the Water Quality of One of the World’s Great Lakes: Tai Lake Case Study of Environmental Responsibility in the Developing World

摘要

China’s Tai Lake is one of the world’s great lakes. Located in eastern China near thecity of Shanghai, over 30 million people live within the lake’s watershed. In 2007 TaiLake experienced a major algal bloom, which resulted in the suspension of watersupplies to Wuxi City. In response, the Chinese central government tasked the ChinaDevelopment Bank (CDB) with creating an environmental loan program to assist inimproving the lake’s water quality.Ecology and Environment, Inc. (E & E) was hired by the CDB to assist in identifyingloan opportunities that could be used to improved Tai Lake’s water quality. Aprinciple finding was the willingness of local authorities to fund large-scaleenvironmental projects. Another significant finding was the recognition within thewatershed of the need to shift funding away from wastewater treatment plants andtoward measures to intercept polluted runoff from non-point sources.The approach presented in this paper provides a model for developing countries tocreate effective and comprehensive environmental loan programs and the supportingstrategies needed to help ensure their success.