Chinese companies are involved in over 300 hydroelectric projects in 70 countries, according to a new report analyzing China's role in new mega-dams worldwide. "The Chinese state-owned Sinohydro Corporation is now the largest hydropower company in the world," reads the report by International Rivers, which adds that the China Export-Import Bank is a major funder of large dams. Since 2008, the number of dams with Chinese involvement has grown by 300 percent, with many projects allegedly lacking stringent environmental or social policies. As dams can have massive impacts on rivers and cause conflict locally, this may create problems in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where most of the dams are planned. There has been some progress, however, in lessening the impact of the dams; for instance, this year, Sinohydro adopted its first ever environmental policy, committing to "fully comply with applicable laws on all levels, adopt all World Bank safeguard policies, respect 'no go' zones including national parks and World Heritage sites, conduct an open dialogue with local communities and NGOs, and create complaint mechanisms for all of its projects," according to the report. However, the report warns that "environmental policies are only as good as their implementation on the ground," and adds that few builders and financiers have adopted environmental policies in line with international standards. For the full story, see http://news.mongabay.com/2012/1210-hance-china-dams.html.