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Foreign Correspondent: Power is money on the the Mekong

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Foreign Correspondent: Power is money on the the Mekong

SUBJECTS:  Geography

YEARS:  7–8, 9–10


Discover why the Lao Government plans to build a hydropower dam at Xayaboury (Xayaburi) on the Mekong River and how neighbouring countries might react.

The Mekong River Commission is attempting to maintain a balance for all users of the river.

Find out why this is a difficult and complex task.


Things to think about

  1. 1.Many countries — including Australia — take advantage of building dams across rivers, to hold back large amounts of water. Can you think of at least three reasons for doing this? Why might some people be against building dams?
  2. 2.What does the Lao Government claim is its reason for wanting to build a hydropower dam? How does it intend to make money from the dam? Take note of the map showing the planned dam's location on the Mekong River at Xayaboury (Xayaburi). Why is this planned dam raising concerns? What difficult job does the Mekong River Commission have?
  3. 3.Refer to a map of Laos and its neighbouring countries. Mark the site of the planned dam in the Xayaboury Province. Why is Vietnam against dam development on the Mekong in Laos? What possible effects to river flows and fish movements as a result of damming the Mekong might Vietnam expect? Outline some of the main points about these possibilities.
  4. 4.Find out more about the Mekong River Commission. What are its member countries? Which neighbouring country is not involved? How might this pose a problem? Compare the roles of this commission and the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. How are they similar? China has constructed the Three Gorges Dam across the Yangtze River, as well as dams on the upper Mekong. Search ABC Education resources to find out more.


Date of broadcast: 5 Oct 2010


Copyright

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