World Rivers Review – Focus on the Mekong – June 2007

The Mekong River is a changing kaleidoscope of cultures,geography and plant and animal life. For most of its journey: a fast-flowing, meandering waterway that forms the heart and soul of mainland Southeast Asia. The river boasts one of the world’s most diverse and productive inland fisheries, supplying the people of the region with about 80% of their protein needs. Yet this beautiful, dynamic and thriving river system is under threat. While the people living along the banks of the river see the Mekong as a resource to be nourished and sustained for future generations, governments and powerful foreign interests are greedily eyeing the Mekong’s vast development potential.

• Download the full June 2007 issue
  

What's Inside:

• Commentary: International Rivers's long time Mekong campaigner talks about the river of her heart.
• Interview: A Vietnamese activist works to protect rivers and help foster more public dialogue in a closed society.
• Energy Alternatives: Thailand is ripe for an energy revolution.
• The Mekong Mainstream: Damming the Mekong mainstream would have serious impacts on the entire watershed and its rich fisheries.
• Map: The Mekong and its proposed dams.
• Laos: The World Bank's "model" project leave Lao villagers in the lurch.
• New Actors: Who's who in the damming of the Mekong.
• Tonle Sap: An interview with a fishing-rights activist working to protect the region's largest freshwater lake.