http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_76xUgRgjZYM/S_HIWOtYedI/AAAAAAAAPlI/NpZObwkXwjk/s1600/Laos+Dam+01+%28BBC%29.jpg

Dams in Laos (Photo: BBC)

Soeung Sophat, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Monday, 17 May 2010

“For a relatively small amount of electricity, these two governments would destroy a fishery that tens of millions of people depend on for their food and livelihoods, with no alternative sources of food or income.”

Recent economic growth has led governments in the region to consider harnessing hydropower on the Mekong River. But as criticism mounts against many of the existing dams in the upper part of the river, two planned dams in the lower sections in particular have been singled out for concern. Experts say these two dams, including one proposed in Cambodia, could be devastating to the region’s fisheries.

A recent record-low water level in the Mekong has led to increased criticisms of mainstream Chinese dams by people dependent on the river, environmentalists and governments in the downstream countries. But this has not prevented Cambodia, Thailand and Laos from going ahead with their own plans to build 11 mainstream dams.