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Navigation Channel Improvement Project
on Lancang-Mekong
River
The Upper Mekong Navigation Improvement Project, funded
by the Chinese government, is part of a grand scheme to allow large ships
to freely navigate the Mekong between China and Laos. The first stage
of the project would destroy 11 major rapids and 10 reefs along the Mekong
from China-Burma border to Ban Houayxai in Laos. To date, 20 of these
rapids and reefs have already been blasted, with only one along the Thai-Lao
border remaining. The second and third stages would involve further canalization
of the river.
The destruction of rapids, shoals and scattered reefs
may have widespread ecological impacts along the entire length of the
Mekong. Islets and rapids are sources of food and income for fishermen
who rely on the river for their livelihoods. Blasting of the rapids would
severely threaten the income and food security of villagers living in
the area.
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Villagers protested in front
of the Chinese embassy yesterday urging Beijing to drop a plan to
clear reefs in the Mekong river. Bangkok Post, Dec 13, 2002 |
Project Information
Photo Gallery
News and Articles
- 4th Mekong River Bridge construction postponed to next November 12/12/2008
- New private port for Golden Triangle :
Traders call for trade zone in Chiang Rai Bangkok Post. 19 November 2007.
- China plans
more work on Mekong Bangkok Post
13 August 2004
- Fight to save
Mekong rapids The Nation, Published on Jan 21, 2004
- China
vows to limit blasting of rapids: Beijing
agrees not to go beyond 1st phase of project THE
NATION Jun 13, 2003
- Further
study urged before blasting starts: Biodiversity
under threat, seminar told
Bangkok Post 24 May 2003
- Cabinet
likely to freeze plan to blast Khon Phi Luang rapids Bangkok Post,
Apr 08, 2003
- Blasting
put on hold as threat to river border The Nation Apr 7, 03
- China
urged to drop plan for blasting river rapids Bangkok Post, Dec 13,
2002
- Call
for Halt to Blasting of the Mekong Rapids Project until Adequate EIA
Completed December 12, 2002
- Evaluation
of the EIA for the Proposed Upper Mekong Navigation Improvement Project PDF file 999 Kb
- Letter
from IRN to ADB regarding the project
- Likely impact of
destruction of rocky rapids and bedrock along the Mekong River in Thailand
upon birds. by Philip Round Conservation Committee
Bird Conservation Society of Thailand July 2002
- River
project meanders along Bangkok Post. August 7,
2002
- Letter
to Gen Chavalit Deputy Prime Minister of Defense, Royal Thai Government
- Reef
blasting plan on hold for a review : Demarcation of Lao border given
priority
- Border
issue with Laos needs to be settled firs The Nation Aug 1, 02
- Chavalit
urges reef plan review: Blasting could upset boundary with Laos Post reporters, July 19, 2002
- News Senate
panel urges suspension|of Mekong rapids blasting The Nation June
3, 2002
- News MEKONG RIVER NAVIGATION Rethink
urged on reef blasting Chinese plan bad for ecology, fishermen
Bangkok Post. June 3, 2002.
- News Senate
to call for review of Mekong-blasting accord The Nation June
2, 2002
- Mainstream
Development THE NATION, Jul
9, 2002
Mekong Rapids Blasting
    
Blasting the Mekong rapids
photo: www.chiangrai.com
  
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