Myanmar: Norwegian Support for Hydropower: Peacebuilding Through Best Practice

Oct 21, 2014 | Ashley South, Democratic Voice of Burma
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Last week I accompanied a group from the Norwegian embassy in Rangoon, and the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), to the Karen National Union 3^rd Brigade area in Kyauk Kyi Township, eastern Bago [Pegu] Region. The purpose of our trip was to prepare terms of reference for a pre-feasibility study regarding a potential hydropower project on the Bawgata River.

During this brief mission, we explored part of the potential dam site, which is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and considerable biodiversity, in the middle of dense forest. We held a consultation with potentially affected communities and local civil society organisations, and met with government and KNU officials.