One of five planned Lao dams on the Mekong’s main stream, integral to Laos’ strategy of becoming Southeast Asia’s power-exporting “battery,” is already proving to have devastating environmental and social impacts.
Category: Laos
Expert Commentary on the ‘Review of Design Changes Made for the Xayaburi Hydropower Project’
Report draws out key points and discusses their implications for Xayaburi and other dams under construction or consideration on the lower Mekong mainstream and within the region.
Dam Development Is ‘Silencing’ the Mekong River
As the first dam on the Lower Mekong begins operations, a major turning point for the ecological well being of the basin is occurring, as well as for the millions of river-dependent people affected.
Laos creates fund to cope with climate change
To support the making and amendment of government policies on climate change as well as the development of strategies, regulations, plans and action plans designed to enable Laos to tackle climate change.
Indonesian firm to build railway linking Laos with Vietnam
The project will also support Indonesia’s coal exports to Laos as well as Laos’ potassium exports to Indonesia.
Laos Urged to Cancel Latest Dam for Mainstream Mekong
“For the past four prior (Mekong dam) consultation processes that we have experienced, we’ve seen big loopholes and the exclusion of affected communities in the process.”
Lao gov’t gives green light for Laos-Vietnam railway development
State-owned PetroTrade will conduct a feasibility study for the 270km, single-track, Laos-Vietnam railway to run from Thakhaek to the Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam.
Dying for land in Lao?
The country has often come under criticism for land grabs in which, those protesting are reporedly being arrested and beaten or subjected to electric shocks in the days following their arrest, with one dying thereafter.
Two Large Mekong River Dams in Laos to Start Operations by End of Year
The first two of five planned large-scale Lao dams on the Mekong river are set to go online before the end of this year, amid controversy over their impact on the environment and people’s livelihoods.