US Campaign for Burma

The Irrawaddy River is one of the most important resources to the people of Burma. Indeed it is the lifeblood of the country. The watershed of the Irrawaddy River spans over 60% of the country, and people depend on it for the livelihoods, agricultural production, transportation, and much more. This vital river is facing severe risk because of plans to build a series of dams in Kachin state, northern Burma where the river originates. Chinese companies are working with Burma’s military leaders to build the dams, and all the power generated from the dam will go to China.

There has bee strong resistance from the people of Kachin state who will be drastically affected by this dam. More and more people throughout Burma are also calling out for a stop to this dam as it will affect the socio-economic situation of the whole country.

Also, a team of scientists from China and Burma, hired and funded by the Chinese company, submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to both Chinese and Burmese authorities in October 2009, in which they recommended the abandonment of the largest project, the Myitsone dam. However, the warnings from that report have not had any effect on the ongoing construction.

Make sure you read the article “Killing the Irrawaddy.”

To read more see links below, as well as check out Burma Rivers Network

Reports

Environmental Impact Assessment ( also in Burmese)

Independent Overview of the EIA

Damming the Irrawaddy – Kachin Development Networking Group

Resisting the Flood – Kachin Development Networking Group

Maps

Hydropower Projects in Kachin State

Myitsone Dam location

Calls From the Communities and Organizations

Statement of 9 Organizations from Burma (English)(Chinese)