The Mekong, a precious jewel of Southeast Asia, has become a
critical battleground between hydropower dam projects and the
survival of the world’s greatest freshwater fisheries. The
future of this 4,880 km (3032 miles) long river may well be
decided by what happens to the Xayaburi mega-dam project in
Laos, the first of a cascade of 11 dam projects on the lower
Mekong. Ame Trandem from the NGO International Rivers explained
that, “The Mekong River is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia,
feeding and employing millions of people. To move forward with
the Xayaburi Dam would be reckless and irresponsible, as the dam
would fatally impact the river’s ecosystem and fisheries.” In
spite of repeated reports that the Xayaburi dam project had been
suspended pending further scientific studies, a recent visit to
the dam-site has suggested that the Lao government has not bowed
to international pressure. As a World Wildlife Fund analysis
recently warned, “Construction work is marching ahead at the
Xayaburi dam site in northern L