The articles we read in Europe about the Three Gorges Dam are often critical or even negative. In particular, it is feared that the dam has upset the balance of the natural environment. Criticism has also been leveled at the fact that the project necessitated the resettlement of more than 1 million people. Reports praising the positive effects of the dam are rare.

In most cases, assessments of the project are based on a very specific and sectorial perspective. However, it is essential that the impact of the dam be considered from a broader perspective.

Taking a more holistic view, the catchment area of a river resembles a tree. The cities in this river basin form its "fruit". The aim of maintaining this "tree" is to obtain fruits of high quality. So the aim of managing a catchment area is to obtain cities with a good standard of living.