*News from the Mae Nam Khong 5*

“After the first Domino i.e. the Xayaburi Dam fell without any difficulty as a result of strong support from China, Laos does not see any reason preventing her from proceeding with her plan to build all the 9 hydropower dam projects on the mainstream in the coming years.” via Mekong Eye https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/11/04/pak-beng-the-third-domino-in-the-series-of-mainstream-dams-on-the-lower-mekong-in-laos/

“What false propaganda by the concerted efforts of Chinese, Laos, Thai & Cambodian governments! If so interested in “Freedom of Expression” and “giving a voice” to the people => 1) FREE the HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS jailed, and 2) STOP killing, jailing and dissapearing dissenters!” via scientists4mekong http://m.phnompenhpost.com/national/new-guidelines-impact-assessments-almost-ready

“The Tide is Turning - The Amazon. The Mekong. The Congo. The Brahmaputra. The Missouri. The rivers may have different names, but the fight is the same. It’s a fight for our future. It’s time to protect our rivers. Because water is life. Learn more here: https://medium.com/p/cefd0dd168d3 ” via International Rivers

“Protesters Want Mekong Dams Stopped | Khmer Times | News Portal Cambodia” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/31433/protesters-want-mekong-dams-stopped/

“Vietnam’s Mekong Delta will be hard hit by climate change. Meanwhile, there are 7,500 hydropower plants, dams, water reservoirs and irrigation works on 10 major river systems in Vietnam. The number of people forced to relocate will be very high.” via Mekong Eye http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/environment/166283/-environmental-refugees--in-mekong-river-delta-expected-in-future--experts-say.html

“Excellent exercise in bull…it. Great propaganda Chinese style. As if the Laos Govt could give a stuff about what others think or the EIAs results… Laos officials have clearly LIED in many occasions: denying all impacts by Dams they have pushed ahead disregarding downstream countries complaints and an excess of scientific data. Waste of time, we say. Yet, we’d be delighted to be proved wrong: i.e. if Laos is serious about EIA then it would STOP ALL further construction of #Hydropower Dams in the Mekong River & its major Tributaries!” via scientists4mekong http://en.apdnews.com/xin-hua/515035.html

“Singapore buys sand from Cambodia for its reclamation areas- but sand dredging’s destroying mangroves & livelihoods” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2016/1021/Cambodia-s-villagers-lose-ground-literally-to-Singapore-s-expansion

““For people living along the river, the changes from climate change and hydropower development pose a major threat to food security and livelihoods” - dam projects being built upstream by China, Thailand, and Laos have affected fisheries in the Mekong.” via Mekong Eye http://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/experts-warn-mekong-delta-agriculture-livelihoods-face-serious-threats-10272016103647.html

“Việt Nam, Thailand work to ensure Mekong river water usage” via Tanasak Phosrikun http://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/345082/viet-nam-thailand-work-to-ensure-mekong-river-water-usage.html

“Info on Arsenic in groundwater in SE Asia” via scientists4mekong http://newsroom.cumc.columbia.edu/blog/2015/07/16/battling-arsenic-poisoning-in-southeast-asia/

“Mekong River Dolphins are now functionally extinct in Laos with only three individuals remaining. The use of gill nets (especially unmanned gill nets) is thought to be one of the main reasons for the demise of the dolphins. WWF calls for an immediate ban on all gill nets in other Mekong River dolphin pools to protect the remaining dolphin populations.” via WWF-Greater Mekong http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?282570%2FIrrawaddy-dolphins-functionally-extinct-in-Laos-WWF

“Integrated Management, really? Placed bg the buggest #Hydropower Dams at the junction of TWO MAJOR TRIBUTARIES of the Mekong River STOPS ALL FISH MIGRATIONS! “The project is one of the five bilateral projects of the World Bank-funded Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Programme which facilitates transboundary dialogue to promote IWRM-based water management.”” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://www.mrcmekong.org/news-and-events/newsletters/mrc-transboundary-dialogue-issue5-2/#transb

“Mekong Effort Fails After Years of Lavish Foreign Funding via @KhaosodEnglish” via Mekong River http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/asean/2016/10/19/mekong-effort-fails-years-lavish-foreign-funding/

“Vanishing Mekong? Shifting tropical storms threaten a great river delta via @ConversationUK” via Mekong River http://theconversation.com/vanishing-mekong-shifting-tropical-storms-threaten-a-great-river-delta-67342

““Philip Hirsch, a professor of human geography at Sydney University and a Mekong expert, said donor money also paid for valuable scientific research. But the commission, he said, couldn’t use that knowledge to advocate on behalf of the river and the millions of people who rely on it because anything of significance had to be approved by senior officials in each country.”” via Mekong Commons http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/20/asia-pacific/despite-two-decades-millions-dollars-invested-mekong-effort-labelled-failure

““In the past 20 years, Chinese dam builders have blocked the flow of the river with seven large dams north of the Thai-Lao border. The dams have replaced the natural river flow with artificial water releases that fluctuate wildly and unpredictably. They are also holding back much of the silt that enriches the floodplains downstream.””
via Mekong Commons https://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/227/a-visit-to-the-mother-river

““More importantly, experts warned, the development of these plants in the Mekong Delta will threaten the area as it is the nation’s rice granary.” “It is expected that 14 coal plants would be developed in the region by 2030 which would have total capacity of 18,268 MW. There would be four in Tra Vinh, one in Bac Lieu, two in Hau Giang, two in Long An, three in Soc Trang and two in Tien Giang.”” via Mekong Commons http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/environment/165537/coal-thermal-power-plants-affecting-rice-production-in-mekong-delta.html

“Delta Dilemma: Environmental Stresses Threaten Mighty Mekong” via Tanasak Phosrikun http://www.bna.com/delta-dilemma-environmental-n57982078729/

“#Hydropower - #Copper (Mines) - #UltraHighVoltage (UHV) lines = Game-changer!
“Guoduo [Dam in Tibet] was specifically built to power nearby Yulong Copper Mine—the largest copper mine in China…Copper plays a big role in an alarming new development concerning hydropower. Copper is the key component in Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) lines. Which can transport hydropower over long distances—to China’s power-hungry coastal cities. These UHV lines are a game-changer: by hooking up dams in Tibet to a national grid, China can power up factories some 3,000 kilometres away—in industrial cities on the east coast like Shanghai. The UHV lines can also be used to export power back to China from Chinese dams built in neighbouring nations like Burma.” See Laos & Cambodia to power China’s SOUTHERN cities, and get these poor countries to PAY CHINA huge LOANS for doing them the favor and ruining the lives of 60 million people and the 2nd most productive river on earth!” via scientists4mekong http://www.planetexperts.com/murder-mekong-death-thousand-dams/

““We estimate that as many as 10,000 people were affected by the fighting to secure the dam construction site and we believe that there are many more villages that are crowded with refugees in other areas”“ via Mekong Eye http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30297474

“Today it isn’t just the likely impacts of a cascade of huge dams and possible diversions upriver, of rising seas and changing rainfall patterns that planners must contemplate. “The vast majority of the Delta’s problems are ‘made in Vietnam.”” via Mekong Eye https://news.mongabay.com/2016/10/mother-nature-and-a-hydropower-onslaught-arent-the-mekong-deltas-only-problems/

“Construction of #Hydropower Dams in Mekong & tributaries will make this much worse! “A report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) shows that drought and saline intrusion in the 2015-2016 dry season caused damages worth VND $8 trillion in Mekong Delta. Eleven out of 13 provinces in the region were declared natural calamities. In Ca Mau province alone, 51,000 hectares of rice, 15,000 hectares of crops and fruit trees, and 158,000 hectares of aquaculture areas were damaged, while 162,000 households suffered.”” via scientists4mekong http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/environment/164642/mekong-delta-to-lack-sufficient-water-in-future--experts-warn.html

“The price of “Development & Economic Growth” is pollution, devastation, loss of vital WATER for all life forms- including humans. “As many as 20 giant freshwater stingrays were found dead this week along the Mae Klong River in Samut Songkhram. The cause of death was still unknown yesterday, but researchers said poor water quality was a major cause of ecological damage.”” via scientists4mekong http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/10/10/giant-stingray-on-brink-of-extinction-water-pollution-in-thailands-mae-klong-leading-to-mass-deaths/

“Nothing new, really. @WorldBank has funded many #Hydropower Dams with disastrous environmental and social consequences worldwide. The well documented Nam Theun2 Dam in Laos is a point in case! The Lower Sesan2 Dam in NE Cambodia is a shameful all-rounder destructful project ensuring the death of 2 most important Tributaries to the Mekong - done in cahoots with Chinese Developers! What’s unbelievable is that the WB sells the image of a “most caring bank” that is doing its best to ensure its projects “raise the standard of living of poor communities”… while driving hundreds of thousands of the poorest people on Earth into further utter poverty and misery! Shame on this profiteers!“ via scientists4mekong https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/world-bank-helped-fund-controversial-dam-report-119055/

“Mekong Legal Advocacy Institiute - In the Mekong region, the changes brought about by rapid economic development and investment pose many challenges for local communities. Building and strengthening access to justice is an essential part of promoting development in Mekong countries that is equitable, ecologically sustainable and inclusive of local needs and interests. The use of legal advocacy strategies in the Mekong is growing, as in other regions of the world, yet there is a need to engage the next generation of civil society leaders and lawyers in legal advocacy strategies and equip them with the skills and experience necessary to strengthen the voices of local people within legal processes.” via Tanasak Phosrikun https://www.earthrights.org/training/mekong-legal-advocacy-institute

“MONGABAY REPORTING NETWORK: MEKONG DAMS Stretching more than 4,000 kilometers from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, the Mekong is one of the world’s great river systems. The river is home to the one of the world’s richest assemblies of aquatic biodiversity, while its basin supports thousands of species of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles. It is also the lifeblood of the region’s human communities. Some 60 million people in the Lower Mekong region rely on the river as a source of livelihood, transport, food and water.” via Save The Mekong http://mongabay.org/programs/news/opportunities/mongabay-reporting-network-mekong-dams/

“Sustainable fishing from survival fishing, community’s disaster preparedness and women’s active engagement are among four topics “citizen reporters” of the Tonle Sap and Songkhla Lake would jointly produce video clips on to exchange knowledge between the two lakes. At a joint preparatory meeting on Friday, team leaders from the two lakes’ communication outreach project under the MRC’s Integrated Water Resources Management identified common issues the two lakes face, and selected specific topics to film during the upcoming video production training, as part of the participatory video and exchange initiative. In the initiative, a couple of mixed teams with community members and officials from the two countries play the role of scriptwriter, cameraman and narrator. The teams will interview and film fellow community people on local issues and local solutions, and present their videos to people in the two lakes’ communities to learn from each other. The communication project began in 2014 as a bilateral project between Cambodia and Thailand. It aims to promote IWRM principles for better multi-sector lake management in the local communities and encourage the two lakes to learn best practices from their counterparts’ experiences.” via Mekong River Commission

“Vietnam sweats bullets as China and Laos dam the Mekong” https://news.mongabay.com/2016/10/vietnam-sweats-bullets-as-china-laos-dam-the-mekong/

“Why I’m Running a Marathon for the Mekong” via International Rivers https://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/433/why-i’m-running-a-marathon-for-the-mekong

“First article in a four part series by Mongabay on all things Mekong. Follow up coming.” via scientists4mekong https://news.mongabay.com/2016/10/will-climate-change-sink-the-mekong-delta/

“EDC president Keo Ratanak told reporters in late August that Cambodia has reduced the amount of electricity imports from neighboring countries as electricity generation from dams and coal-fired plants in the country increases.” via Khmer Times http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/30380/lower-sesan-ii-dam-on-schedule/

“To implement a massive planned water diversion project, Thailand needs to invest in water transfer stations, tunnels and pipelines, purportedly to serve agricultural irrigation needs in dryer parts of the country. When a project has a major impact on the environment, the people must be consulted. However, when the information came to the area, the project had already started. - VTV2” via Mekong Eye https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/09/30/risks-from-mekong-river-water-transfer/

“Fisheries account for nearly 12% of Cambodia’s and 7% of Laos’ GDP. The Mekong fishery sectors in Thailand and Vietnam add well over $750m (£577m) to their GDP annually. Agriculture – which has suffered from water shortages in the region – provides food security and livelihoods to approximately 60% of the Mekong basin’s population. Twenty years ago, the Mekong was one of the last large healthy tropical systems. Today, water quality is degrading fast. Last year, drought was the worst on record. Floods are now more frequent, the entire river bed is losing elevation, large scale river bank erosion is occurring and the delta is literally sinking and shrinking.” via Current Ham https://www.theguardian.com/wwf-hsbc-water-programme/2016/sep/30/can-the-mekong-river-survive-and-thrive-while-providing-economic-value

“Don’t swim in NILE RIVER or MEKONG RIVER! My love for Water is killing me slowly through SCHISTOSOMIASIS or Snail disease. Also called Bilharzia common in Africa & SE Asia. I contracted it when swimming in my beloved NILE RIVER in Egypt… and then again in the MEKONG RIVER this year… There is a “Schistosoma mekongi”, people… dammit I didn’t know. Not only was the water putrid but it also carries this worm. My urinary tract is infected and my liver hurts like mad. Could account for excessive weight gain as neither the liver nor gall bladder are working well apparently. I’m going for an exploratory operation: biopsy and camera look of my bladder after peeing blood and pus. If you’re peeing blood, have horrible abdominal pain or feel extremely tired rush to a “Center for Tropical Diseases”. I just discovered one in the Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. I self-medicated “praziquantel” but didn’t work… waiting on Tropical Disease Center to treat me. NOTE: Australian Doctors know little about tropical diseases and their symptoms. I worked it out myself after 4 years of excruciating abdominal pain that would flare up and then dissapeared. Feeling delighted that I finally have a grip on it. Healed a large wound in my bladder and bleeding stopped. … not successful with liver though. Looking forward to treatment by specialists.”
via scientists4mekong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfoVkGJ5jik&sns=fb

“If the Mekong is diverted to Thailand or other countries, the water flowing into the Mekong Delta will not be sufficient for everyday use and irrigation, nor to push salt water back to the sea. This will pose a serious threat to the future of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.- Thanh Niên News” via Mekong Eye https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/09/20/water-conflicts-and-the-fate-of-mekong-delta/

“Beyond stupid! Vietnam wanting to buy power from Laos: effectively condoning #Hydropower Dams SINKING ITS DELTA!” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/power-hungry-vietnam-may-now-look-to-disastrous-lao-dam-projects-3474617.html

“3rd major research review on #Hydropower impacts. Yet author scientists avoid outright opposition to dams. Vetoed?” Via Dr. Lilliana Corredor https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/09/28/scientists-just-found-yet-another-way-that-humans-are-creating-greenhouse-gases/ “CLIMATE SOLUTIONS | The evidence is in: Hydropower’s not a solution to climate change – it’s part of the problem. Researchers have learned that reservoirs produce 1.3% of total global human-caused emissions. We’re not going to say we’re surprised. We’ve known for years that dams are a significant source of methane, and that methane is a potent greenhouse gas. But for anybody who still thinks hydropower is carbon neutral, it’s time to change your tune.” via International Rivers http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/hydropower-isnt-carbon-neutral-after-all-wsu-researchers-say/

“Young Cambodian activists asking for information about the proposed Sambor dam on the Mekong in Cambodia!” via Mekong Youth Voices http://m.phnompenhpost.com/national/activists-call-info-dam

““Given their intrinsic link to land, particularly in rural areas, it stands to reason that Cambodian women would bear the brunt of Cambodia’s widespread land conflict.”” via Mekong Eye https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/women-land-conflicts-suffer-disproportionately-study-finds-118544/

““The Lao government ignored the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA) with other countries in the Mekong River Commission (MRC), of which Laos is a member, saying that the dam’s location was not a part of the mainstream Mekong River.”” via Mekong Commons http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/37244/lao-hydropower-project-death-sentence-for-mekong-fish

““Although the overall hydroelectric potential of the region is estimated to range between 170 GW to 250 GW, there are major concerns about the environmental impacts of damming the Mekong River system and other rivers in Southeast Asia. An independent assessment prepared for the Mekong River Commission recommended a 10 year delay in the current hydroelectric project schedule to evaluate environmental concerns.”” via Mekong Commons https://cleantechnica.com/2016/09/21/look-asean-promising-renewable-energy-markets/

““The lake is a major source of protein for Cambodians, but human activities such as the use of poisons, explosives and electric fishing techniques, and the construction of hydropower dams, may have irreversibly damaged the waterways.”” via Mekong Commons http://www.voacambodia.com/a/fishing-communities-struggle-as-rivers-ebb/3512534.html

“RT@dominik_vonak Outstanding presentation of Tom Weerachat about the importance of protecting the river Mekong in Southeast Asia. #DGD16 “ via Mekong Youth Voices https://twitter.com/dominik_novak/status/779317968106848256

““High dykes are blamed for blocking the natural flows of water and depriving downstream floodplain farms and fisheries of key source of nutrients, which has in turn contributed to a gradual decline in fish populations, Thien explained.” “Besides, with the high dykes, farmers can extend their rice cultivation period, using more agricultural chemicals, which then pollute and cause water and soil to acidify, he continued.”” via Mekong Commons http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/yearlong-farming-cycle-is-bleeding-vietnam-s-mekong-delta-dry-3471986.html

“Locals said they were worried that fish species in the Mekong River, especially dolphins, would disappear when the Don Sahong Dam closed its gates after the construction is completed.” via Mekong Eye https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/09/21/kraties-tourist-boat-operators-concerned-over-loss-of-biodiversity-in-mekong-river-after-the-construction-of-don-sahong-dam-in-laos/

““In countries where loans are sought to finance environmentally and socially controversial projects – particularly dams, mines and power plants – this new sustainable banking mechanism might be the harbinger of change. But here’s 11 things you need to know that can help you understand this trend.”” via Mekong River https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/09/20/whats-the-deal-with-sustainable-banking/

““The project aims to restore the degraded forests, providing habitats for wildlife and ensuring livelihoods for local residents, whose livelihoods depend on the area’s ecosystem.”” via Mekong Commons http://vietnamnews.vn/society/342955/wwf-intel-start-wetland-reforestation-project.html

“Cambodia’s environmental activists: Internationally awarded, but murdered at home” via Tanasak Phosrikun via Scientists for the Mekong https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/04/cambodia-environmental-activists-internationally-awarded-murdered-home/

“The Mekong Part II: How Dams May Damage Children’s Health” http://www.rfa.org/english/commentaries/mekong-nutrition-09162016154516.html

“A case accuses Cambodian officials and businessmen of illegal land dispossession. Govt says it’s based on “fake numbers of people being affected by land grabbing.” Worldwide, last year over 3 people killed per week in land conflicts with mining, logging, hydroelectric or agribusiness firms.” via Mekong Eye http://www.voanews.com/a/international-court-prosecute-environmental-crimes-major-shift/3511067.html

“Now, the Thai government has announced a sweeping new project that will funnel tens of thousands of cubic meters of water from the Mekong to plantations and industry in the country’s northeast.” via Mekong Eye https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/09/14/as-mekong-changes-course-development-trumps-conservation/

“Water crisis worse than Climate warming. 1.5million farmers bankrupted in Vietnam Delta by drought & salinity” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://vietnamnews.vn/environment/312321/a-threat-more-urgent-than-global-warming.html#Zsd3XIuBBJKcY5yu.97

“Admit it, you don’t think about silt much. Or sediment either, for that matter. Here’s why you should. Why silt is so important for the Mekong” (Cooperation between countries to keep silt flowing down the river will bring huge agricultural and economic rewards) via International Rivers https://www.thethirdpole.net/2016/09/13/why-silt-is-so-important-for-the-mekong/

“#Mekong #Hydropower dams impacts: Baran E. et al. (2015): Fish, sediment & dams in the Mekong. WorldFish & CGIAR-WLE” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor https://t.co/UNcgDQlcWn

“Stop Don Sahong, Boycott Angkor Beer” claims the 32 meter-high dam will destroy fisheries and farmland and affect millions of people in neighboring countries. Angkor Beer denies its involvement.” via Mekong Eye https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/09/09/video-calls-for-angkor-beer-boycott-over-mekong-dam/

“Asean summit must address Vientiane’s shortcomings” via Tom Weerachat http://www.bangkokpost.com/archive/asean-summit-must-address-vientianes-shortcomings/1080068

“Thais in Loei province are concerned about the risks a water diversion project will cause for their lives such as: homes flooded, fish populations and crops declining, and village resettlement.” via Mekong Eye https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/08/31/endangered-life-of-local-people-in-ban-klang-and-their-protest-against-this-project/

“Taing’s death, while tragic, was not unique. In Cambodia and in remote forests elsewhere, a rising boom in the illegal sale of wood, land, and minerals has turned the environmental beat into a new sort of conflict journalism.” via Mekong Eye http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/cambodian-journalists-are-dying-trying-save-countrys-forests

“If USAID really wants to help poor communities’ food supply & to survive climate change - it should be OPPOSING the #Hydropower Dams to safeguad both food & water supplies for 60million people. Aid programs ought to invest these $$$millions into projects that actually help maintain the future resources of poor communities.” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor https://www.weadapt.org/knowledge-base/global-initiative-on-community-based-adaptation-gicba/methods-applied-to-integrated-climate-science-and-local-knowledge

“Using Article 44 for this issue will set a precedent for other environmentally harmful projects to similarly use the special power for implementation.” via Mekong Eye http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30294469

“We reject the value of this project in helping protect biodiversity”
via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/macroeconomics/30293873

“Leaked report reveals huge scale of Laos illegal logging. Recently, the new Prime Minister of Laos has made a series of encouraging statements and actions to tackle rampant forest crimes in the country so it is timely that a report leaked last year, showing the scale of the problem, is now available in the Lao language. Please see below for a link.” via Khampoua Naovarangsy https://eia-international.org/leaked-report-reveals-huge-scale-of-illegal-logging-in-laos

“The Development Agencies focusing only Modernizing the GMS.”
via Tanasak Phosrikun http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1003639.shtml

“The #Chinese Dam developer is already finishing an access road and starting the PAK BENG DAM - the THIRD ILLEGAL DAM in the Mekong River mainstream located in Nth Laos - WITHOUT Previous Consultation Process and despite some MRC member’s disagreement & acknowledging the damage already being caused by Xayaburi Dam & Don Sahong Dam… The MRC is ‘blaming’ Civil Society groups and NGOs for their sponsor’s budget cut and specify “because of their (CSOs & NGOs) unrealistic expectations”…WTH?”
via scientists4mekong which shared Tonle Sap Lake Waterkeepers post:
”As Budget Drops, Commission Prepares for New Laos Dam. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is still reeling from the blowback over its handling of the consultation process around the Don Sahong and Xayaburi dams in Laos, both of which are expected to have severe environmental consequences on those living downstream. Now, with its budget slashed—its funding for the next five years is half of what was allocated over the previous period—the commission is preparing to take on another dam on the mainstream Mekong, officials said after a closed-door meeting in Phnom Penh on Wednesday. A ferryboat crosses the Hou Phapheng river, a channel of the Mekong River in Laos, near to where the Don Sahong hydropower dam is slated to be built. (Nontarat Phaicharoen)
Pham Tuan Phan, CEO of the MRC’s secretariat, said the commission had only informally discussed the new dam in Laos—among a number of other issues raised during a meeting with foreign donors on Wednesday. “We did not formally introduce the Pak Beng dam in the meeting,” Mr. Phan said, explaining that the Chinese company planning the dam, Datang, had yet to begin the consultation procedure, which is meant to include impacted communities. “But,” he said, “using the lessons learned from Xayaburi, from Don Sahong, we prepared ourselves to consider the process.” The dam, located in northern Laos, is expected to generate more than three times the power of Don Sahong—912 megawatts, 90 percent of which will be sold to Thailand, according to data from the environmental group International Rivers. It would be the third mainstream Mekong dam outside of China, and would result in the relocation of thousands of people, as well as impact fisheries downstream, the group says. Meanwhile, grave concerns still linger over the MRC’s handling of Xayaburi and Don Sahong, neither of which has been completed. Save the Mekong Coalition submitted a letter ahead of Wednesday’s meeting saying that the consultation process for both dams was “non-transparent” and “inadequate in ensuring meaningful public participation and input.” “No plans for further projects on the Mekong River should move forward until outstanding questions and concerns regarding the existing projects…have been fully addressed,” the coalition said.
While the letter was not discussed in the meeting, according to those present, members of the MRC agreed that the environmental impact assessments for both Xayaburi and Don Sahong were insufficient. So Nam, a fisheries and environmental expert for the commission, said the impacts of both dams on fisheries and the environment were inadequately assessed, and NGOs had little time to air their grievances. Given that governments were not bound to follow the MRC’s advice, groups advocating for the people and ecosystems reliant on the river were bound to be disappointed when the hydropower dam projects went ahead, Mr. Phan said.
“We may not always meet the expectations of civil society, which are often unrealistic and go beyond our mandate,” he said. Mr. Phan said the unmet expectations were part of the reason for the drop in donor funding, with the MRC receiving $47 million for the period from 2016 to 2020, down from $115 million for the previous five year period. “Our development partners feel that—they expect that—the MRC could do more,” he said. “They feel that the MRC should have more authority.” SEPT. 1, 2016”

“Laos leads region, but only in repression” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://www.bangkokpost.com/archive/laos-leads-region-but-only-in-repression/1072036

”Short film “My beloved land” reflect to society about deforestation and awareness raising on law, Thanks to Rights Link Project to produced a good material.” Via LaoFAB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJWyUhd39pY

Hun Sen Pledges to Ease Restrictions on Environmentalists. Cambodia’s Prime Minister at the 65th anniversary of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, June 28, 2016, acknowledged the lack of action on the part of government to protect Cambodia’s forests, rivers and other ecosystems.
http://www.voacambodia.com/a/hun-sen-pledges-to-ease-restrictions-on-environmentalists/3476486.html

”#WWW @gwpnews @oecd_env @siwi_water:
@WorldBank funds non-sustainable #Hydropower Dams: increase poverty, Methane Emissions & ruin rivers” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor

”Today marks the beginning of #WorldWaterWeek and we’re looking at the Mekong River, where the Don Sahong dam project threatens the last of the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins and the food security of the millions of people depending on the river’s fisheries. For more on our work fighting the dam, visit: http://cambodia.panda.org/projects_and_reports/don_sahong_dam/ ”

”We MUST protect our rivers if we want LIFE to continue. Investing in Hydropower Dams that damage rivers is nonsensical and downright stupid. Save the Mekong River and its tributaries. Stop Laos building dams. Water management is vital.”
via Dr. Lilliana Corredor https://global.nature.org/content/water-share?src=social.nature.facebook.globsol.water.feature.aug2016.rep1

”And again and again… more communities displaced to make space for Hydropower Dams in the Upper Mekong… To make things worse, they end up forcefully in factories being exploited and underpaid, besides loosing their lives and homes… What kind if injustice is this!” via Dr. Lilliana Corredor http://ariverstail.com/china/drowning-the-valley

”“Fisherman Nguyen Ba Hung, 38, has been fishing the river in An Giang Province for 18 years. He said the floods, which usually sweep the Mekong Delta from July to November, have yet to arrive.” “Last year the flood waters were extremely low, and our family of four had to struggle to eke out a living. Things are getting worse this year,” Hung said.” via Mekong Commons http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnamese-farmers-indignant-as-mekong-delta-prays-for-flood-waters-to-arrive-3453111.html

”Major rivers of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta become unusually deeper. Vietnamese scientists have warned of the unusual increase in the depth of two major rivers in the Mekong Delta, with sand mining and hydropower dams said to be the cause.”
via Mekong Commons http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/36532/major-rivers-of-vietnams-mekong-delta-become-unusually-deeper

”About 22 million people live in the Mekong Delta. The delta supplies a large amount of rice, fruit and fish, but negative effects from the El Nino phenomenon and upstream dams have brought about its worst drought and saltwater intrusion in nearly 100 years.” via Mekong Eye http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/chinese-dams-a-threat-to-lower-mekong-river-3456038.html

” 16 August 2016 - Donsahong dam Powerhouse construction groundbreaking ceremony will organize today August 16, 2016 in Khong district, Champasak province while authorities local authorities and the Ministry of Energy and Mines has allowed some local media to participate gather news and the main media did not know about this. Before ceremony, the project developers has confirmed that the dam development does not affect to the fish migration even a dam built on the Housahong is the way of the fish andaquatic resource in the Mekong but also because there are many channels such as Housadam, Housangpheuk and others. Mr Somphone Phommavong, the Head Unit Fisheries interview to the media that the construction of Donsahong dam has no impact on the fish migration because there are many channels, and the developer was modified a bigger and deeper channel for fish passage and destroy big fishing gears illegal, which affects to the fish passage such as fish trap “Li” to ensure the fish migrate comfortable. The Mega First company also studied to prevent impact on the environment and social as the standards and others. Mr Somphone Phommavong, said that, the dam project will bring development and good economy of Laos because the plant will provide enough demand of electrical energy to the agricultural production sectors and household in the south and the government will get income from the electrical energy export. Mr. Deng Phetbounma, Hangsadam villagers, Khong district, Champasak said that since the dam construction, I see that people in this area nearby get a better job and infrastructure. improved fish passage to facilities and comfortable for fish migration. Now fish selling at the Daoheaung market Champasak and other markets are increased many, mainly come from Khong district, Champasak which shows that building dams does not affect the fish migration. Mr. Bounheuang fisherman at Donsahong village said that after the project come to this area, it help to develop his family better, get a job. the program has sent teams to help, funding, seeds, introduce technical farming - livestock and others. In addition, fishing at least 7-8 kg per day and someday 20-30 kilometers. The dam project does not affect to fish migration and people can fish normally. Donsahong dam construction in Khong district, Champasak current progress 8% after doing construction since October 2015 is expected to be completed 100% in late 2019, worth a total investment of over 500 million dollars, the Mega First hold 80% and EDL laos 20%, a concession 25 years. via http://www.mymekong.org/mymekong/?p=1056” via Save the Mekong

“We just have to share this amazing investigation into proposed dams in Cambodia, which was conducted by a group of UC Berkeley students. Their research led to an excellent website that explores the benefits and downsides of these developments, and we’re so pleased they wrote about the research experience for us. Read about what they learned!” via International Rivers https://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/721/reflections-from-the-areng-valley

Video: “New Mekong dams to affect millions in Vietnam. Building more dams along the Mekong River will destroy the livelihoods of millions of people, according to a report commissioned by the Vietnamese government. a report commissioned by the Vietnamese government.” http://video.aljazeera.com/channels/eng/videos/new-mekong-dams-to-affect-millions-in-vietnam/5083271332001

“Hydropower developers often play “divide and conquer” with homeowners who resist bad projects or demand adequate compensation for their land. Meet one courageous Indian family who’s fighting back.” via International Rivers https://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/328/scare-tactics-of-hydropower-developers

“There are already five hydropower plants in Laos that have been built by Chinese companies since 1998 to 2014 in the Mekong River. The river has a huge potential for hydroelectric power as it can produce as much as 30,000 megawatts.” via Mekong Commons http://en.yibada.com/articles/149772/20160810/china-laos-relations-improve-gezhouba-group-constructs-hydro-power-plant.htm

“The MRC move to Laos is injust - it’s a very well thought out move to “silence all opposition” to all Mekong River Developments, instigated by China in Laos, Thailand & Cambodia through their Repressive regimes! If the MRC was useless before, now it will be null… and 60 million people will go hungry, the most important inland fisheries will be annihilated to be replaced by “lucrative aquaculture”. People will have to PAY FOR THEIR FISH or starve!” via scientists4mekong http://m.phnompenhpost.com/national/offices-mekong-river-commission-decamp-laos

“Neat arrangement between equally Repressive Mekong governments to nullify the MRC in favour of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation - so that all Mekong River Developments and decisions will be controlled by China. That means: in favour of govt & private enterprises, and overriding all human rights & environmental laws and needs…” via scientists4mekong http://www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodia-to-close-mekong-river-commission-office/3457356.html

“Cambodian Journalists Investigate Dam Impacts, Learn Reporting Skills and Plan for New Network. By Mekong Partnership for the Environment. Twenty Cambodian journalists from six Mekong provinces and Phnom Penh attended a three-day workshop in Kratie province to learn how to better report on the costs and benefits of hydroelectric dams and other development on the Mekong River.” via Mekong Eye / Tanasak Phosrikun https://www.mekongeye.com/2016/08/03/cambodian-journalists-investigate-dam-impacts-learn-reporting-skills-and-plan-for-new-network/

#Mekong #südostasien #PDRLaos #Laos #Vietnam #cambodia #Kambodscha #Thailand #Staudamm #Hydropover #cop21 #Mekongdelta #stoppthedonsahongdam #stopdonsahong #SEA #laoyouth #mekongyouth #MRC #Lancang #tamui #Xayaburi #Sesan #Srepok #Sekong #Sambor #CEPF #UN #MENSCHENRECHTE #OXFAM #NGO #WWF #SALINITY #UNICEFWATER #ENERGY #KHMER #VIETNAMESE #CHINESE #THAI #DROUGHT #ELNINIO #TIEN #HAU #FLOODS #UNICEF #CLIMATE #WORLDBANK #FYI #BAIRD #PETITION #Siphandone #methane #delta #DGD16 #health #USAID #biodiversity

see also https://pod.geraspora.de/posts/5104289 and earlier