Opposition Growing To Mekong Dam - Would Likely Doom Dozens Of Fish Species, Block Nutrients

[hatrack]

As the governments of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam ready to meet on April 19th to decide whether or not to move forward on the Xayaburi Dam, critics of Mekong River hydroelectric project have warned that the dam will devastate freshwater biodiversity and impact the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands, if not more. Last month a coalition of 263 organizations from 51 countries released a letter in opposition of the dam’s construction.

"As a river of global significance, we are urging the Governments of Laos and Thailand to call a stop to the destructive Xayaburi Dam,” said Pieter Jansen of Both ENDS, an international NGO and member of the coalition. “If the project proceeds, the regional decision-making process will lose all public credibility. "

The $3.5 billion Xayaburi dam would be built in Laos, but largely bring power to Thailand. In total 2,100 people will have to be moved to make way for the dam, but according to critics the dam will impact nearly a quarter of a million people. Local fisheries are likely to be hard hit while environmentalists warn that the dam could lead to the extinction of dozens of species of fish, including the Critically Endangered Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas). A rare giant, specimens have been caught weighing up to 600 pounds (270 kilograms). The river may also block essential nutrients for farming from making their way downstream.

EDIT

For its part, the Laos government, which is pushing the project, has said the dam will be the "first environmentally friendly hydroelectric project on the Mekong" and would "not have any significant impact" on the river.

Ed.- Oh ferfuckssakke.

Researchers and environmentalists have asked for a ten-year delay to conduct better studies on the dam's impact, a view that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shared when visiting the region. Cambodia, whose people stand to lose the most in fisheries, has also recommended a delay, while Vietnam has come out against the project, essentially splitting the four deciding nations.

EDIT

http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0413-hance_mekong_dam.html

[MineralMan]

1. I'm like dismayed. (nt)

[hatrack]

2. Dude, I , like, SOOOOOOO updated that title!

:hi:

[MineralMan]

3. Far out!

:rofl: