Author(s)

W. Ravesteijn

Abstract

China is one of the countries where the water situation is dramatic. The country is faced with increasing pressure on its scarce water resources, expanding water pollution and degrading aquatic environments, beside severe flooding problems. This paper – based on desk research and fieldwork – shows how China deals with its water problems and what the prospects are for necessary changes or transitions in its water management and development approach, focussed on flooding. Chinese water-problem solving and its potential for change are, on the one hand, compared with approaches, practices and trends elsewhere in the world and, on the other hand, placed in the context of the country’s water tradition with its distinction between Confucian and Taoist approaches and its emphasis on large-scale projects. The Chinese water tradition, inspired by Yu the Great, will not only appear to be helpful in coming to grips with Chinese water management and development and in providing a perspective on a new approach, but also to be significant for water transition studies and policies in general. Keywords: flooding, water transitions, integrated river basin management, Dutch water management and development, room for the water, Confucian and Taoist water engineering.

Keywords

Keywords: flooding, water transitions, integrated river basin management, Dutch water management and development, room for the water, Confucian and Taoist water engineering.