An update on open local resistance to the seven dams that China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) is building on the Irrawaddy, N'mai and Mali rivers in Burma's northern Kachin State. The booklet describes the construction activity at the Chibwe dam site and the imminent forced relocation of 15,000 villagers for the construction of the Irrawaddy Myitsone Dam. The booklet includes excerpts from open letters to Burma's military junta and the full text of a letter to CPI.
The photo report focuses on the ecologically unique area of Keng Kham, a community of 15,000 that was forcibly relocated over ten years ago; the majority has fled to Thailand. Today the estimated 3,000 that remain are managing to maintain their livelihoods and culture despite the constant threats of the Burma Army and the impending Tasang dam.
Indigenous Shan cultural practices, river-fed farms, sacred cave temples and pristine waterfalls are depicted in photos from this isolated war-zone, together with updated information about the dam project, which has been shrouded in secrecy.
This is the first biodiversity survey of the Salween River in Karen State, and documents 194 plant species and 200 animals, including 42 endangered species. Based on surveys conducted for three months at Khoe Kay, a bend in the river near the Weigyi dam site, it includes comprehensive charts and unique photographs. Published in October 2008.
This short report describes the current and projected impacts of the Upper Paunglaung Dam on the Kayan people, including displacement, increased abuses by the Burma Army, and loss of livelihoods. The dam, slated for completion in 2009, will generate electricity for Nay Pyi Taw, the military regime's isolated new capital. Published in June 2008.
To download: English | Burmese Best viewed with Adobe Acrobat 7 and plus
Ten Perspectives on How Financial Institutions Can Protect the Environment
This report discusses how environmental standards can be useful for new financiers. Burma Rivers Network authored “Standards for Hydropower Development – A Burmese Perspective,” one of ten case studies of overseas projects funded by Chinese, Indian and Thai financiers that are presented in the report. Published in May 2008.
The Burma Army clears the way for Chinese dams on the Shweli River
This is the story of Man Tat, a Palaung village of 700 that was overrun with 300 armed soldiers that set up a permanent base to facilitate the building of the Shweli 1 dam by Chinese companies. The report also provides information on Chinese plans for future dams and the companies involved. Published in December 2007.
The report outlines the potential impacts of the first dam on Burma’s Irrawaddy River, including the displacement of 10,000 people, livelihood destruction, and threats to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. A timeline and profiles of the companies involved in the project are included as well as a description of the six other dams planned for the N’Mai and Mali rivers. Published in October 2007
Salween Dams Threaten Downstream Communities in Burma
This report is an examination of how the Salween dams may impact the complex and delicate ecosystem of the Salween delta and the livelihoods of the half million people living there. Published in May 2007.
The Karenni Experience with Hydropower Development from Lawpita to the Salween
This report documents the story of Burma’s first major hydropower project at Lawpita in Karenni State: the construction of the Mobye dam, the displacement of 12,000 people, the restriction on water use, and the consequences of landmines employed to secure power stations. Reflecting on the lessons of Lawpita, the report then examines the potential impact of the planned Weigyi dam on the Salween, including a reservoir the size of Singapore that will submerge the ancient capital of Bawlake, fertile farming lands, and some of the world’s last remaining rainforests. Published in March 2006.
Burma Army atrocities pave the way for Salween dams in Karen State This report details the significant increase of Burma Army garrisons and the subsequent military offensives and abuses in the area of the Weigyi and Dagwin dams in Karen State. Published in November 2004.
An Update on Plans to Dam the Salween in Burma's Shan State
An update of developments at the Tasang dam site, this report details the preparations underway to build the dam, moves by the Burma Army in the area, logging near the dam site, and the ongoing displacement of the local population. It also includes a detailed map of Tasang’s projected reservoir. Published in September 2006.
Monitoring Development on Burma’s Mekong A periodic magazine that monitors developments along Burma’s Mekong River.
Issue 3 Published in April 2009, this issue focuses on how the expanding influence of Chinese interests in the Golden Triangle region, from rubber plantations to wildlife trading, is bringing rapid destructive changes to local communities. There are also articles on opium cultivation, mining operations, the mainstream Mekong dams in China, and unprecedented flooding downstream.
Issue 2 Published in July 2006, this issue includes articles about unpredictable water surges and flows due to dams upstream on the Mekong, unrestricted logging, a mining project that threatens the En people, opium cultivation, and the lawlessness of eastern Shan State.
Issue 1 Published in January 2005, this issue includes articles on the consequences of the Mekong Navigation Improvement Project, how intensive logging threatens the Mabri people in Shan State, roads construction, and human trafficking along the Mekong.
