Southeast Asia’s longest free flowing river, the Salween River, runs along the Thai-Burma border and is home to several plant and animal species as well as over thirteen ethnic minority groups living in traditional communities along its banks. Currently there are plans underway for large-scale hydropower development at various locations along the river in Burma; developments which ERI fears would lead to environmental degradation and human rights abuses. As part of ERI's efforts to raise awareness for these issues and its commitment to training local human rights and environmental activists, the EarthRights Mekong School recently took a group of students on an educational fieldtrip to the Salween River.

Mekong School students discuss the effects of the ADB-funded hydroelectric projects on local communities and environments in the Mekong region.

Mekong School students visit the home of Grandma Hai, a 78 year old activist who smashed down the Huay Ra Ha Reservoir to reclaim her rice fields after 27 years of struggle.

Mekong School students meet with Huay Ra Ha villagers to discuss compensation for dam-affected communities.

Anti-dam campaign poster placed at the future site of the Weigyi dam. The dam threatens the livelihoods of internally displaced communities along the Thai-Burmese border.

Local villagers and environmental activists discuss the potential human rights and environmental impacts of the Weigyi Dam on the Salween River on the Thai-Burmese border.

Mekong School students learn about a local community's campaign in support of the Community Forest Bill, which would grant indigenous people the right to inhabit and co-manage their ancestral lands.

|Read more about ERI's efforts to protect the Salween River |

|Get involved with the Salween Movement! |