Deteriorating Mekong ecosystem alarms activists

Environment advocates are voicing concerns over the Mekong River’s deteriorating ecosystem, especially with more projects set to affect the waterway in the pipeline.

“If these so-called development projects continue, especially the construction of more dams, the Mekong will face a crisis,” said Niwat Roi-kaeo, president of the Rak Chiang Khong Group, an environmental conservation collective based in Chiang Rai.

He was speaking at a seminar on the escalating problems facing the famous river.

Water in stretch of Thailand’s northeastern provinces has turned a greenish-blue colour, he said, adding that while this strange phenomenon makes the river look beautiful it could be a sign of danger.

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Wassayos Ngamkham