River flows in Africa's Niger basin are decreasing at the same time as fishing pressure is increasing, leading to drastic declines in fishery yields. Deforestation and farming of fragile soils is leading to siltation of river channels. Maintaining natural flow regimes in the river, and associated sediment dynamics, could go a long way towards relieving the pressures on the Niger's ecology without exacerbating regional tensions over food and water security. The River Niger - River of Rivers. In the heart of the Yangtze, the Dongting and Poyang Lakes form extensive wetlands that were mostly destroyed in the last 100 years.
Plans are underway to restore the wetlands and return their vital, life-giving power.
These plans contrast with those to transfer water from the Yangtze to the drought-stricken Yellow River. Experience around the world shows that such long-distance transfers of water from one basin to another cause irreparable damage and often fail to deliver the economic benefits desired. The result is usually water wastage, ecological damage and ultimately losses to farmers. The Yangtze River - Taming the Dragon. Plans are underway to rechannel the river in order to accelerate transport along its routes.