Yellow River Delta Environmental Flow Study

Period:	10/2005-09/2007
Location:	Yellow River, PR of China
Client:	Alterra BV

assignment/short description

The Yellow River Delta Environmental Flow Study (YRD-EFS) is an important step towards defining the required amount of water needed for sustainable development of the Yellow River Delta (YRD), focussing firstly on the nature reserves in the area. The study has an international exposure because the YRD is a globally acknowledged wetland area offering breeding, wintering and stop-over places for many migratory birds on the east Asian migration routes, among which very rare species like the red-crowned crane and the Saunders's gull. Low flow in the Yellow River is a major threat for the wetlands, among others causing saline intrusion of valuable fresh water habitats. The study was funded by Chinese and Neherlands sides. The project was inaugerated by Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands, calling upon a strong consortium experienced in complex environmental flow studies and including essential local expertise. This guaranteed a relibale advice tot he authorities, enabling them to cope with the challenge of the sustainable development of the Yellow River Delta.

The study is a project within the Sino-Dutch Cooperation Programme on Water Management.