The interplay of activists and dam developers: the case of Myanmar's mega-dams

Journal article

Scholars investigating activism against large dam developments in Asia usually only focus on those campaigning, but not on those the campaigns are aimed at – the dam developers. Yet their perspective is crucial to comprehensively understand the dynamics of social and environmental activism in Southeast Asia as well as its implications for the region's energy landscape. This paper analyses the interplay of activists and Chinese dam developers in Myanmar via two case studies, the Myitsone Dam and the Mong Ton Dam. The research is based on direct scholarly interaction with both activists and dam developers. It presents evidence of change from both sides: activists have professionalized in recent years; Chinese dam developers now attempt to engage with civil society, albeit with limited success in the two cases studied. Yet, even with these changes, conflict over dam development persists and the country may soon face severe limitations to development options for improving energy security. We also discuss the case of Bhutan to illustrate the potential of developing Myanmar’s hydropower resources.

Authors: Kirchherr, J; Charles, K; Walton, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis (Routledge)
• Journal: International Journal of Water Resources Development
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 111-131
• Publication date: 2016-05-12
• Acceptance date: 2016-04-13
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2016.1179176
• EISSN: 1360-0648
• ISSN: 0790-062
• Keywords: activism; Myanmar; Chinese dam developers; large dams; Mong Ton Dam; Myitsone Dam