Living Planet | 25.07.2008 | 00:30
Beijing Olympics Water Demand Puts Farmers Under Pressure
Beijing says it will host "green Olympics" next month. But the water needed for the greenery is taken away from farmers in the provinces around Beijing.
Thousands of trees have been planted in Beijing, new parks have been built, and in the weeks until the opening ceremony on August 8th, 40 million flowers are being planted alongside roads and at the Olympic venues.
All that "greenery" needs water of course – and that is usually in short supply in Beijing. The authorities have come up with a plan to transfer water from a neighbouring province, Hebei province. Locals there are angry. The plan also highlights much broader problems with China’s water policies.
Report: Ruth Kirchner
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