Dams of destruction threaten Mekong

RIVERINE ECOLOGY

Published: 6/12/2011 at 03:30 AM
Newspaper section: News

This week a decision will be made in Siem Reap, Cambodia, that could shape the future of the mighty Mekong River and fundamentally alter the lives of 60 million people.

The Mekong River at the site of the planned Xayaburi hydropower project in Laos. Experts say the dam will wreak havoc on the ecology of the entire Lower Mekong region.

The governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam will meet tomorrow and Thursday near the ancient temple of Angkor Wat, to discuss the controversial Xayaburi Dam in Laos, which threatens to become the first dam on the Lower Mekong River. Under a 1995 treaty, the four governments must reach a consensus before any project can be built on the Lower Mekong.

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Writer: Kirk Herbertson

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geoffo
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Discussion 5 : 07/12/2011 at 12:22 PM5
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The official Xayaburi website boldly claims that Laos has a right to move forward with the project, and that the project would not have any negative environmental impact.

Sounds just like Iran's argument for nuclear weapons. The Chinese are conspicuously quiet.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 4 : 06/12/2011 at 05:42 PM4
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D3,Khun Dao : My philosophy is "be pessimistic and expect the worst".That way,you will be positively surprised if your expectations are not met.It does not mean you're accepting anything bad,but rather being realistic about such issues.If you always hope for the best,chances are you will experience one disappointment after the other.
Like you,I would very much like to see common sense prevail for once and prove my philosophy wrong,but I seriously doubt it will,given the amount of money involved.
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dao
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Discussion 3 : 06/12/2011 at 03:10 PM3
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I,m sorry I only have hope .Hope like a seed and can grow into something more with others though .I would rather hope than than just accept how bad something is and shrug my shoulders .Its too easy to just say that is the way it always has been and things will never change .
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bangmodken
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Discussion 2 : 06/12/2011 at 12:01 PM2
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Since when did politicians concern themselves with enviromental impacts when money is involved?
D1,Khun Dao : When was the last time common sense won over greed?
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dao
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Discussion 1 : 06/12/2011 at 09:14 AM1
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I hope greed doesnt win over common sense .
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Dams of destruction threaten Mekong | Bangkok Post: opinion