The World

The Battery of Southeast Asia

The small country Laos wants to pay for development by building dams and selling the power generated by the Mekong River. But many environmental groups fear dams will devastate Laos’ unique biodiversity.

Across Southeast Asia, hydroelectric dams are being planned and built along the biologically diverse Mekong River and its tributaries. In Laos, seven large dams are currently under construction, tapping much of the electricity for export to bring in needed revenue and development for the struggling nation. But environmental groups in the region oppose these big dams, calling them threats to Laos’ amazing biodiversity. Mary Stucky traveled to Laos and has our report.