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Hydropower Construction Heightens Political Pressure Along Mekong River
August 30th, 2019
Via Circle of Blue, a report on plans by Laos to build big hydropower dams on the Mekong River which are seen by many villagers, the region’s environmental organizations, and some officials in neighboring countries as making a mockery of the river’s natural beauty and its central value as a source of fish, irrigation, and […]
Read more »US Warns Dams Give China ‘Control’ of Mekong River
August 5th, 2019
Via Terra Daily, a report on recent U.S. government officials remarks about China’s ‘control’ of the Mekong river: China is taking control of the flow of Southeast Asia’s most important river through a dam-building “spree”, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Wednesday, as water levels along the Mekong reach record lows. The famous waterway starts […]
Read more »Damming the Mekong Basin to Environmental Collapse
August 3rd, 2019
Via, commentary from Brahma Chellaney on how dam construction on the Mekong River poses a serious threat to the region’s economies and ecosystems: Major dam construction projects have become a favorite pastime of some autocratic governments, with China leading the way. But, far from protecting against water shortages, as supporters promise, large dams are contributing to river […]
Read more »Laos Stirs Controversy With Plan For Fourth Mekong Dam
June 21st, 2018
Via The Asia Times, a report that Vientiane has submitted notice about a hydropower project at Pak Lay in western Xayaburi province, upsetting villagers on both sides: The government of Laos has proposed that yet another dam should be built on the Mekong River’s midstream. Vientiane submitted an official notice to the Mekong River Commission with […]
Read more »Leaked Report: Cambodia’s Biggest Dam Could ‘Literally Kill’ Mekong
May 27th, 2018
Via The Guardian, an article on the heavy impact of a planned hydroelectric dam on the Mekong: A Chinese-backed plan to build Cambodia’s biggest dam could “literally kill” the Mekong river, according to a confidential assessment seen by the Guardian which says that the proposed site at Sambor is the “worst possible place” for hydropower. […]
Read more »The Thirsty Dragon: China and the Mekong River – Dominance or Collaboration?
April 4th, 2018
Via Future Directions International, a report on the Mekong River: The Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam are meeting for the third Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The MRC was established in 1995 to strengthen joint efforts and partnerships for the sustainable management and development of water resources in […]
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