Inter-Basin Water Diversion Projects and Inland Waterways: The Case of the Eurasian Grasslands

Abstract

By employing the method of GIS spatial analysis, this paper plans and designs nine inter-basin water diversion projects and a Euro-Asia Canal system for the Eurasian Grasslands. The technical feasibility is analyzed for the key engineering projects. Technical and economic evaluations are calculated for nine water diversion projects. The multiple indirect benefits of these water diversion project and the canal system are elaborated. Main conclusions are that the water diversion and canal system projects are feasible; the economic benefits of the project are obvious; they can greatly promote economic development of countries along the ancient Silk Road.