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Sign the Petition to Cancel the Xayaburi Dam The Mekong River and the millions of people it supports are now in jeopardy. In the next few months, regional governments will make a decision about whether to proceed with plans to build the Xayaburi Dam in northern Laos, the first of eleven dams planned for the Lower Mekong Mainstream.The Xayaburi Dam threatens the lives and food security of millions of people. The Mekong River is home to the world's most productive freshwater fishery and is a vital resource for the entire Mekong Region. Scientists agree that the Xayaburi Dam would have se

Project is single greatest threat facing the Mekong RiverIllegal Consturction at Xayaburi Dam Site A field visit to the site of the proposed Xayaburi Dam on the Mekong River has revealed that construction on the dam's access road and work-camp is rapidly forging ahead, in spite of commitments made by the government of Laos at the April 19 meeting of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to temporarily suspend the project. This commitment was reportedly reiterated by the Lao Government just two weeks ago to a top U.S. diplomat. The trip to the Xayaburi Dam site on July 23rd revealed that a subst

In its 2011 annual meeting, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve onto the List of World Heritage in Danger. It has also urged Honduras to prove to IUCN and the World Heritage Centre that dams on the Patuca River (one of which is being built by Sinohydro) will not negatively impact of the site. Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras)The World Heritage Committee Decision 35 COM 7B.31 Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B.Add, Recalling Decision 34 COM 7B.34, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),Takes note that the State Party has stabilized

In its 2011 annual meeting, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee expressed serious concern over planned and existing dams in Panama and Costa Rica. IUCN and the World Heritage Centre will conduct a monitoring mission this year. Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves/La Amistad National Park (Costa Rica/Panama)The World Heritage Committee Decision 35 COM 7B.29 Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B.Add, Recalling Decision 34 COM 7B.32, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),Regrets that the State Party of Panama did not submit a report on the state of conservation of the property, as reque

In its 2011 annual meeting, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee requested Thailand to halt all construction on the Huay Samong Dam until the Committee had a chance to review the Environmental Impact Assessment. Thailand withdrew from the World Heritage Convention over a temple dispute. Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (Thailand)The World Heritage Committee Decision 35 COM 7B.19 Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B, Recalling its Decision 34 COM 7B.18, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),Notes the State Party's statement that it is conducting an Environmental Impact Assessmen

In its 2011 annual meeting, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged the State Party of India "to inform the World Heritage Centre of any planned developments that could negatively impact the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, including dams." India has until 1 February 2012 to submit any plans on dam construction in the Kaziranga National Park. Kaziranga National Park (India)The World Heritage Committee Decision 35 COM 7B.13 Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B.Add, Recalling Decision 33 COM 7B.13, adopted at its 33rd session (Seville, 2009), Regrets that the State Party did n

In its 2011 annual meeting, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee expressed concern that unapproved dam construction was occurring on the Nu River, and dams were approved for the Jinsha River. In neither case have Environmental Impact Assessments been submited to the World Heritage Centre. China has until 1 February 2012 to submit a list and maps of all dams and their Environmental Impact Assessments. Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Area (China)The World Heritage Committee Decision 35 COM 7B.12 Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B, Recalling Decision 32COM 7B.11, adopted at its 3

In its 2011 annual meeting, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged Tanzania to "abandon plans for the different development projects which are incompatible with the World Heritage Status of the property, in particular the Stiegler's Gorge dam." Tanzania has until 1 February 2012 to submit a state of conservation report to the World Heritage Centre. Selous Game Reserve (United Republic of Tanzania)The World Heritage Committee Decision 35 COM 7B.6 Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B, Recalling Decision 34 COM 7B.3, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),Reiterates its utmost conce

In its 2011 annual meeting, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged Ethiopia to "immediately halt all construction on the Gibe III dam" based on the potential impacts it may have on lake levels at the Lake Turkana World Heritage site in Kenya. The IUCN and the World Heritage Centre will send a monitoring mission to the property at the end of 2011 to evaluate the situation. Lake Turkana National Parks (Kenya)The World Heritage Committee Decision 35 COM 7B.3 Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B.Add, Expresses its utmost concern about the proposed construction of the GIBE III dam on the Om