"The River ‘is not for sale’ warn Mekong villages", 19.12.2018

In the autumn of 2018 I joined reporters and researchers from China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on a visit to a proposed special economic zone on Thailand’s northern border…to see the role China is playing in the governance of the Mekong region, and how locals feel about China’s growing influence. “The Mekong is a part of our lives, our community. It’s our food, our income, our water….”. [V]illagers had calculated the impact of the dam on fishing, the land, ecosystems and tourism, as well as possible pollution. “We lost 80% of our fishing income from the Mekong, with some fishermen forced to turn to agriculture or leave the village and take poorly paid factory jobs[.]”

The Thai government…hopes to set up an economic cooperation zone with China. …But local communities disagree. Opposition from local groups, including environmental organization…have put plans for the special economic zone on hold. Locals worry that the preferential terms offered by the government to attract businesses will lead to the destruction of precious wetlands, cause huge environmental damage – and not bring them any real benefits.

A huge amount of investment from China and other countries, along with the government’s special economic zones, bring the possibility of development to Mekong communities. But what about the lifestyles and traditions of these communities? How can China exert its influence but also respect local needs? China will become more involved in international affairs as its economy develops. And international cooperation relies on trust to achieve constructive outcomes. …But unless local peoples’ needs are listened to and properly considered, more development projects will be stalled by opposition and protests.