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The Thirsty Dragon: Dam Tensions On The Mekong
April 20th, 2011
Two additional articles looking at the recent tensions over planned dams on the Mekong. First, via the Washington Post, a report that China defended its ambitious network of dams, saying that it is developing its rivers in a responsible way and would never do anything to harm the interests of neighbors who live downstream of […]
Read more »The Thirsty Dragon: Laos’ Dam Project and the China-Vietnam Balance
April 20th, 2011
Courtesy of STRATFOR (subscription required), an interesting look at Laos’ reported deferral of its decision on whether to pursue a controversial dam on the Mekong River that has sparked strong opposition from its downstream neighbors, particularly Vietnam. Though Vietnam retains strong influence over Laos, and could use its investment and aid as a bargaining chip […]
Read more »The Thirsty Dragon: China Plans To Build Seven Dams in Laos
April 15th, 2011
Via The Vientiane Times, a report that a Chinese company plans to build seven hydropower plants along the Nam Ou River, one of the largest tributaries of the Mekong. As the article notes: “…Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Thongmy Phomvixay and Sinohydro Ltd Deputy Managing Director Sen De Cai signed a master plan for […]
Read more »African Countries To Renegotiate Nile Water Quotas with Egypt
April 14th, 2011
Via Al Masry Al Youm, a report on efforts by African countries to renegotiate Nile water quotas with Egypt: Egypt has announced a final effort to re-negotiate the terms of the Cooperative Framework Agreement which apportions water from the Nile River to various basin countries. Since 1929, Egypt has held a near-monopoly on the water, […]
Read more »Mekong Countries To Convene Additional Meeting On Xayaburi Project
April 7th, 2011
Via Energy Daily, an updated report on ongoing regional discussions around the Xayaburi hydropower development project, proposed by the Government of Lao PDR. As the article notes: “…As the deadline for reaching a decision comes closer, four Lower Mekong Basin Countries have agreed to convene a special session on the prior consultation process for the […]
Read more »Defiant Ethiopia To Proceed With Massive Dam On The Nile River
April 5th, 2011
Courtesy of Green Prophet, an interesting article on how Ethiopia, defiant of Egypt’s historic monopoly over its flow, is pushing ahead with a controversial plan to build a massive dam on the Nile River. As the report notes: Waterfalls on the Blue Nile. Ethiopia has plans to grab hold of a bigger share of the […]
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