Dams On The Mekong Are Having Devastating Effects

Killing The Mekong (2013): Rich in extraordinary biodiversity, the Mekong River is the Amazon of South East Asia. But the construction of multiple dams threatens to have devastating effects on this energy and development-hungry region.

For similar stories, see:
Is the Three Gorges Dam a Ticking Time Bomb?
Bakun Dam - Malaysia
Fighting the Selangor Dam - Malaysia

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"Mekong River gives everything. Mekong river is mother," says one local. The river's cultural, environmental and economic significance is unmeasurable. But despite the threat of earthquakes, extinction of species and food shortages, the dream of hydropower - and the money it brings - is driving governments to turn its torrents into peaceful reservoirs. European consultant Poyry, who are working on the Xayaburi dam, have been accused by environmentalists of giving the Laotian government, "badly misleading advice". Meanwhile, fisheries expert Ian Baird points out, "the very people that regional governments and international organizations are spending a lot of time trying to alleviate from poverty are the ones who are going to be impacted".

Tom Fawthrup – Ref. 5864

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[JeffreyB]

Egypt was the breadbasket of the Mediterranean for thousands of years. After decades of dams it has to import food

[joana.]

I cry when I watch the beauty of the pulsing Mekong river...It must not be destroyed.

[martinthemillwright]

Anyone who needs a lesson about the Chinese leadership’s regard for anyone but themselves only has to watch this.

[kasonryu]

I'm Malaysian and I'm deeply sorry, we somehow need a new breakthrough in proton or plasma, I will say it must be fast, or we are doomed, I'm not a scientist, I'm an artist, I will try to make a voice about this

[dunruden]

You can't travel from Vientiane upstream to Luang Prabang in Laos during parts of the dry season because water levels are too low. Big brother has built dams upstream.

[internationaldirector]

Learn from the Nile River debacle where the agricultural sector collapsed due to lack of study before building the damn. Egypt now importer of grains no longer exporter. No to building of dam to Mekong River.

[GreenGreenQuiz]

In 6 nations where Mekong river flows, Vietnam, which is downstream, is the only nation don't have any dams. The others are blocking flow and destroying the ecosystem in this river by dams along the river...
This is not only natural issues, it also related to politics!!

[johnheigis]

Outstanding report. Thanks!
Damn the dams!

[VidiSensiVici]

My heart bleeds just to hear of how men always try to destroy nature in the name of money. The Mekong River is a legend in itself, so we really need to keep it natural for many generations to enjoy.

[gracecollins]

The CCP declared war on Heaven and Earth.

[ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

I read a few years back - as there is less freshwater flow from the Mekong, the salty sea water is running into the delta up to 50 miles. As such, there is no fresh water for the southern Vietnamese rice fields. I don't remember if there was also an impact on Thai rice production. Anyway, there was a rice shortage - maybe 5 or so years ago.

[loukanavaros]

Will the children of the future be asking"where have all the fish gone"
Anyone remember our generation asking "Where have all the flowers gone?"
DAMN THE DAMS!

[FuelEfficiency]

Yes Mekong River gives everything including Traveling Channel up and down. You can't do it when a barrier of DAM is installed.

[jonathanhurley]

I live in North Thailand, and have been to the Mekong ( a 30-40 mile ride) hundreds of times. Across the river is an Air America town. Still there...Vientiene Laos. The Mekonng is THE most important in the SEA area. Nothing else comes close. And the Chinese are stealing every bit of the water from their downstream "end-users" . This has been an unending source of very irritable friction. Laos, for example is the ONLY landlocked SEA country, so it relies on the Mekong unlike ANY other country. For transportation, industry, food, drinking water, I am almost glad I am old so I will not see the final insults of the destruction of the river. This is no "snail darter" situation. This is an entire nation, and parts of at least 3 other nations. It hurts to see what they are doing . Vietnam will be least affected. Laos MOST affected...Cambodia is very reiant as wel. Thailand, since it has so very much oceanfront water ... like the Gulf of Thailand... that it can get by with diminished flow of the Mekong. But the Lao and Thais are so close .... This just pisses me off.

[MIKEDIAMONDZ]

China is to blame for this desaster ...

[TanPham-snfc]

One way of solving the problems is to move the whole of China to Mars!

[janicelmckee]

Great explanation! The river is a universe unto itself.

[severinaocampo]

Now Global must watch this content, ..this Dam is Damned

[alifrobinson]

When Greediness, Power and Money influenced peoples life its became a poison to entire world.We needs back to our roots live with RESPECT and LOVE towards all MANKINDS and NATURE.We are CONNECTED !!! Peace with Love🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[cynthiaarons]

Vietnam has the best tasting fruits in Asia because of the Mekong River. I was an ex-pat’s wife in Saigon for 8 yrs and have been to Mekong in Vietnam and Thailand. I hope the ppl can STOP the building of the dams! Look at what is happening to the dams in China!!!

God gave us what we need to live in but, we are destroying the earth!