Before Myanmar became a democratically governed country, the previous dictatorial government concluded an agreement with the state’s Chinese Power Investment Corporation (CPI): the construction of the huge Myitsone Dam. The project area, however, is only short distance to a reconciliation of two rivers, which is recognized as a sacred place in Myanmar. Completing the dam would destroy many important historical and cultural sites in this sacred area. The region is also one of the most important and diverse points of biodiversity in the world, which inherit a global conservation priority. Official voices claim that Myanmar needs the money and the energy generated by the dam. But critics stress, however, the irreparable damages to the river, extinguishing of the fish stock downstream and the displacement of thousands of inhabitants. Another controversial reason is that 90% of the generated electricity is expected to flow to China. The expansive public oppositions to the project pressurized the government to postpone the project. Myanmar is expected to pay a compensation of a huge estimated sum of 800 Million US-Dollars, if CPI cannot finish the dam. That’s why the project increases the gap between the government, wishing to benefit from cross-border electricity sales, and the Kachin, who are fearing that the dam will bring ecological, cultural and social disruptions.

Written by: Miriam Milzner

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Myitsone dam on Irrawaddy river, Myanmar