Cambodia: Groups raise alarm over severe food, livelihood, environmental, cultural impacts of Lower Sesan 2 Dam project; companies do not respond
Lower Sesan 2 Dam is located near the confluence of the Sesan and Srepok Rivers in Stung Treng Province, Cambodia – two of the Mekong River’s most significant tributaries. Expert studies have shown that the dam would cause a substantial drop in fish stocks, threaten over 50 fish species and alter the livelihoods and cultures of tens of thousands of people, mostly belonging to minority groups. Thousands have been displaced so far.
Groups of villagers and their civil society supporters have repeatedly appealed to the Cambodian Government, as well as the companies involved, to halt the construction of the project and to provide appropriate information and opportunities for meaningful engagement. These appeals have not been acted on by the parties concerned.
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited project developers China Huaneng Group (parent of Hydrolancang International Energy), Royal Group and Vietnam Electricity to respond to reports by villagers and NGOs raising serious environmental and social concerns; the companies did not respond. We continue to invite the companies to send their responses.
Related reports and statements are linked below.