Thematic Shorts
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Fish Biodiversity
The Mekong River has more species of fish than anywhere else in the world except the Amazon. More than 60 million people depend on this living supermarket for their livelihoods. Follow a team of scientists as they carry out a fish survey from Luang Prabang down to Vientiane, passing the controversial site of the Xayabouli Dam.
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Mekong Dams
More than 140 dams are currently planned, under construction or commissioned for different rivers in the basin. If constructed, this will radically alter the basin’s hydrology, its ecology and, consequently, the lives of millions who depend upon it. How can Dams be built to minimize these social and environmental impacts? This short looks at three different dams. The Xayabouli dams which officially broke ground in November 2012. The Namtheun Hin Boun Expansion Project which is considered a well implemented dam. Finally, the Don Sahong which is still in the planning stage.
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Life on the Lower Sesan
Just South of Laos, in the Northeast Corner of Cambodia, the Mekong’s most important tributary river system can be found. Known as the “3S” River Basin, it is made up of the Sesan, Sekong and Srepok Rivers. For the Communities that live there, these rivers are the primary source of food and income. However, the Lower Sesan II Dam could significantly alter their livelihoods and the ecosystem as a whole. If built it along will be responsible for some 9% of predicted fisheries decline from Dam construction in the Mekong. This short explores communities’ struggle to be involved in the proposed dams’ development.
Social Networks