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Foreign Correspondent: Dams and dolphins on the Mekong?

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Boat on Mekong
Foreign Correspondent: Dams and dolphins on the Mekong?

SUBJECTS:  Geography

YEARS:  7–8, 9–10


If the Lao Government's plans are realised, nine hydropower dams will be built across the Mekong River in Laos, and more across its tributaries.

The government wants the country to become the 'battery of Asia'. With this dream comes a host of issues.

Listen to reasons why the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) suggests hydro-dam development should be put on hold for 10 years.


Things to think about

  1. 1.Tourism provides an economic development opportunity both for developed and for developing countries. What natural attractions could draw tourists to Laos? What do you think the phrase 'the battery of Asia' might mean?
  2. 2.Stuart Chapman, WWF's Greater Mekong Manager, argues that hydro-electricity on the Mekong isn't sustainable, and he calls for a 10-year moratorium (hold) on development. What reasons does he give? Carefully note the village chief's views about the planned dams. According to the clip, what kind of development will preserve the 'mother of all rivers' for the Lao children of the future?
  3. 3.Imagine looking forward to 2030, by which time the Lao Government might be living its 'battery of Asia' dream. What type of place do you think Laos would be? What obvious changes to the river would have occurred? How might lifestyles in Laos have changed? What do you think different groups of Lao people might say about the decision to build the hydro-dams?
  4. 4.Brainstorm some alternative developments that would boost development in Laos in a sustainable way. View other clips in ABC Splash on the Mekong River and the Yangtze River in China. Find out more about the issues and tensions behind each government's decision to build hydropower dams.


Date of broadcast: 5 Oct 2010


Copyright

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