2011: Southeast Asia
Burma, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam
Burma
Stop Damming Burma's Rivers
Burma Rivers Network released a statement in conjunction with the International Day of Action For Rivers. It called for foreign investors to immediately stop plans to build large dams on Burma's major rivers and their tributaries, as these dams will have huge social and environmental impacts across the country, and fuel Burma's decades-long civil war.
Contact:
Burma Rivers Network
burmariversnetwork@gmail.com
Cambodia
A Day of Thanksgiving on the SeSan River
The Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA) has created a wonderful tradition and celebration around the International Day of Action For Rivers, and this year is no exception. They organized a River Thanksgiving Day along the SeSan river at Stung Treng Province of Cambodia. Around 500 people, including government stakeholders, participated in this Day of Action For Rivers event.
Contact:
Tek Vannara
Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA)
tek@cepa-cambodia.org
Malaysia
Artists Raise River Awareness
A mixed media performance, "River Meets Light" encompassing light design, dance, music and visuals in an evening of experiential showcase to trace the past and present relationship between our rivers and communities.
Contact:
theriverartproject@gmail.com
Honor Our River
Organized by "Land Empowerment Animals People", community members affected by the proposed Kaiduan Dam on the Papar River and the existing Babagon Dam in Ulu Moyog, along with participants from numerous NGOs, gathered in order to highlight the importance of rivers in the harmonious relationship between communities and nature, and to express their love for Sabah's rivers and the intention to keep them free from pollution and dams. The event began with a ritual blessing, and participants erected a Kadazan-Dusun stone monument to ensure prosperity for Sabah's rivers and river communities. The community also organized a riverbank cleanup.The day ended with a potluck lunch and celebratory swim.
- Great writeup in Free Malaysia Today, "Villagers protest against proposed Kaiduan Dam"
Contact:
Ben Gutierrez
Land Empowerment Animals People
ben@leapspiral.org
Thailand
Lessons on Conservation Zones Between Thailand and Laos
Mekong-Lanna Natural Resources and Culture Conservation Network, Chiang Kong Conservation Group and The Mekong People Network held a meeting on the lesson of the conservation zones between ChiangRai and Bokae and Between PakNgao Bokae, Laos and RimKhong, Thailand.
River Worship on the Mekong River
Around 100 villagers and students gathered for a spiritual ceremony to worship the Mekong River and express their concerns over the Xayaburi dam.
Contact:
Pai Deetes
International Rivers
pai@internationalrivers.org
Action at Kaeng Sua Ten Dam
An action took place at the Kaeng Sua Ten Dam, on the Yom River (Phrae province, Thailand).
Contact:
SEARIN
teary99@hotmail.com
More than 200 villagers from the Mekong and Salween River joined the religious ceremony on the bank of the Salween River on Thai-Burma border in honor of the International Day of Action For Rivers.
Contact:
Pai Deetes
International Rivers
pai@internationalrivers.org
Vietnam
Round-table Discussion on Mekong Dams
The Center for Water Resources Conservation and Development organized a round-table discussion with elected people from the Mekong Delta in Vietnam on Mekong dam issues.
Contact:
Nguy Thi Khanh
The Center for Water Resources Conservation and Development
khanh@warecod.org.vn