An Iconic River in Conflict: A Photo Journey along the Salween River

Apr 20, 2017 | International Rivers
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The Salween River holds a unique place among the world’s great rivers, not only due to its vibrant ecosystem and the rich biodiversity that it supports, but also because it remains largely untouched by human interventions, including dams. The majority of the river continues to flow freely. The Salween is home to a large number of diverse ethnic communities. Despite decades of armed conflict and forced displacement, the Salween River has remained a constant home, a source of livelihood, food security, culture, and identity for thousands of communities.

A cascade of seven dams is planned along the mainstream of the Salween River. Many of the proposed dam sites are in areas of active armed conflict because of ongoing clashes between the Burmese military and ethnic minority forces. The dams threaten the already delicate state of the region, and there is widespread concern about the expected human rights and environmental impacts if the projects move forward. Communities along the length of the river have expressed their strong opposition to hydropower development, and called for the rights of local people to lead decision making over the management of their natural resources and future of their lives.