Ecological changes and the drivers in the Nu River basin (upper Salween)

The Nu-Salween River is one of the most important international rivers in Southeast Asia. Ecological changes in the Nu River in China are of concern given China's increasing development. This paper uses a great deal of data to analyse the ecological changes of the Nu River basin over 40 years. Key conclusions are: policies were the primary driver of ecological changes; population growth was the secondary driver, leading to an increase in the sown area of 29.88%; in 1968-2000, sediment load showed an obvious increasing tend, and it was mainly influenced by natural elements first, then by human activities second.