Environment and natural resources
How better hydropower planning can avert future disasters on the Mekong
The collapse of the Xepian-Xe Nam hydropower dam in Sanamxay district of Attapeu Province, Lao PDR on July 23 is a major tragedy that took the lives of at least 34 Laotians, with at least 100 more still missing and thousands displaced. Some 50 days on, ...
Meteorological Department Warns Northern Thailand to Brace for Heavy Rain and Mekong River Overflows
The tropical storm is expected to blow over Hong Kong and China’s Hainan island during September 13-14 and this will bring more rain to Laos and Thai provinces bordering Mekong river with danger of river overflows. Keep reading ...
Mekong River faces a damming issue
Serving as South-east Asia’s most iconic waterway, the Mekong River is the lifeblood of the countries it flows through. However, fears are being raised that the rampant construction of dams will take a toll on the environment and tourism, writes Marissa Carruthers. Keep reading ...
Mekong River levels drop but floodwaters fail to drain from Nong Khai district
Even though the level of the Mekong River in Nong Khai’s Phon Pisai district is dropping, farmland, 20 homes and a school along Lam Suay Creek in Tambon Wat Luang remain submerged, as the river continues to block the drainage of floodwater from the creek. Keep ...
Environmental Defenders Under Pressure Across Southeast Asia
A lack of U.S. engagement is contributing to a “declining, dictatorial and more dangerous environment” in Southeast Asia, where the abuse of fundamental rights is increasing alongside the killing of land activists, Human Rights Watch says. Keep reading ...
Water level in Mekong River declines slightly
Overflow from the Mekong River in Nong Khai province continues to flood nearby farmlands, forcing farmers to move their equipment and tools to higher ground. Keep reading ...
Civil society groups to boycott Prior Consultation on new Mekong dam
Save the Mekong, a coalition of non-governmental organizations, community-based groups and concerned citizens within the Mekong region, issued a statement on Friday announcing their intention to boycott the Mekong River Commission’s (MRC’s) Prior Consultation for the proposed Pak Lay dam. Pak Lay is the fourth ...
Dams and sand mining threaten integrity of lower Mekong
As investment in hydropower and construction projects ramp up, ecosystems along Southeast Asia’s longest river are paying the price. At more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles), the Mekong is Southeast Asia’s longest river. It runs through six countries, providing food and income for more than ...
How conservation became colonialism
A feature article by Alexander Zaitchick that critically examines the importance of why indigenous people, not environmentalists, are the key to protecting the world’s most precious ecosystems. Read more ...
Laos' hydropower ambitions threaten Mekong fishing villages
The tiny Southeast Asian nation of Laos champions itself as “the battery of Southeast Asia,” exporting hydroelectricity to its neighbors as it seeks to exit the ranks of least developed countries. Keep reading ...
