China now has the power to completely stop the flow of water to downstream nations, a pressure point that could be used to devastate their agricultural economies and create food scarcity in the event of a conflict.
Category: Mekong
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.
Dams a threat to Mekong
Instead of rushing ahead with new projects, the Lao government should have waited to see how the unproven mitigation measures of the Xayaburi project work and observed associated environmental impacts.
AICHR urges member nations to address transboundary haze
Representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights has called for its member states to address the transboundary haze to prevent further harm to the environment and health.
‘Our river was like a God’: How dams and Chinese might imperil the Mekong
With water flows shifting as new dams start their turbines, fishers, farmers and local ecosystems are suffering.
Marine parks in Mekong Region get Asean heritage nod
Three parks in Thailand were designated, two in Vietnam and one in Myanmar.
Dams destroy Mekong tourism
In the past, the travel industry could escape criticism by saying it was “none of our business.” Today, sitting on the fence is an unacceptable; must be more vocal to protect the region’s greatest asset — the river.
Luang Prabang hydropower dam project under review
The MRC says that the working group set November 8 as the kick-off date for a six-month prior consultation process of Luang Prabang, a 1,460 megawatt dam project.
ASEAN Officials Call for Cooperation on Haze Prevention
If each country goes back and really tries to mitigate the issue, I am sure ASEAN will be able to commit” to [be] haze-free [by] 2020.”
Threat to the Mekong River is Critical, Critics Say
It’s looking like othing can save the 800,000 sq. km Mekong River basin, which provides vital sustenance for as many as 100 million people, from environmental depredation from dams all along its length.