Free the Salween Campaign
The Salween River basin is ecologically rich and so access to natural resources has been an attraction for mega-development projects and a flashpoint for conflict. One major threat to communities’ livelihoods and to the ecological integrity of the region is the planned hydroelectric mega dams along the length of the Salween River; the longest free flowing river in Southeast Asia which over 10 million people rely on for their livelihoods.
KESAN supports local communities calls for ‘No dams,’ and collaborates with network organizations such as Karen River Watch and Save the Salween Network by:
- Raising awareness and building capacity among affected communities through informational workshops, skills trainings, and educational materials such as documentary films.
- Facilitating grassroots research on the biodiversity of the Salween basin and the impacts of dam construction.
- Advocating for a dam-free Salween by producing campaign materials, gathering petition signatures, effectively engaging with the media, and lobbying elected and company officials.
- Networking between civil society organizations by coordinating meetings, conferences, and collaborative actions.
- Mobilizing the local, regional, and international community through public demonstrations.
KESAN also supports the annual International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dams protest organized along the banks of the Salween River, which brings together thousands of people from different communities to voice their opposition to proposed dam projects along the Salween.
Related
publications
This report discusses how the recent fighting appears to be part of a calculated military strategy by the BA/BGF to control territory in Karen State, possibly motivated by plans to construct the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween River.
Free the Salween River Campaign Videos
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