Dams in Laos threaten Asia's largest waterfall, critically endangered river dolphin

Fisherman on the Mekong in Laos' Siphandone area near the proposed Don Sahong dam. Photo by: Rhett A. Butler.
Khone Falls. Photo by: Rhett A. Butler.

March 16, 2009
Mongabay.com

Eleven proposed hydroelectric projects on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia threaten migratory fish stocks, regional food security, and the livelihoods of millions of people, warns a new campaign launched by environmental groups.

The Save the Mekong coalition says the dams would "block major fish migrations and disrupt this vitally important river, placing at risk millions of people who depend upon the Mekong for their food security and income." Several threatened species — including the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and the giant catfish — would be at risk, as would important tourist sites, including Khone Falls, Asia's largest waterfall. More than 2,100 square kilometers of land — including agricultural areas, wetlands and tropical forests — would be flooded.