The Use of Environmental Impact Assessment in Laos and its Implications for the Mekong RIver Hydropower Debate
Abstract
Hydropower development in the Lower Mekong Basin is occurring at a rapid pace. With
partial funding from international financial institutions has come pressure on the
riparian governments to ensure that the potential environmental and social impacts
of hydropower projects are properly considered. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
is one of the primary environmental management tools being proposed to fulfill these
obligations. This raises the question of whether EIA is serving its intended purpose
in the Lower Mekong, and more specifically Laos, or is instead being produced to fulfill
basic funding requirements. Based on a comprehensive literature review, in-country
research, and analysis of current hydropower cases studies in Laos, this paper seeks
to assess the impact EIA is having on the hydropower decision-making process. Current
EIA application practices show that it may not be readily transferable from its socio-political
origins to the current Lao context. To have a more meaningful impact, EIA application
needs to be equipped with necessary institutional arrangements and a more integrated
and transparent public participation process.
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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/3655Citation
Campbell, Lauren (2011). The Use of Environmental Impact Assessment in Laos and its Implications for the Mekong
RIver Hydropower Debate. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/3655.Collections
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