Week 1: Keeping the rivers flowing freely: A case from Myanmar
The development of large-scale hydropower dams that was unpopular among the public in the past is now becoming a playbook of military rulers to resume its suspended construction since the military took a coup d’état in Myanmar on February 1, 2022. Issuing a license to continue the construction of a Chinese dam is considered diplomatic leverage with China to secure their geopolitical support for the international legitimacy the military junta has daringly sought . Moreover, the business interest of military crony companies partnering with Chinese investors for an economic monopoly is another reason to go ahead with the hydropower development project. This alerts all environmental activists and human rights defenders in Myanmar to strengthen their strenuous efforts in continuing their environmental justice movement for the longevity of the Irrawaddy and Salween rivers, which are ecologically diverse and important for global biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. This event to give a brief account of the environmental perspective and political views of the author, who actively participated in the nationwide public campaign against hydropower development projects. As far as hydro-power development is concerned for global debate, the lessons learned from the people’s struggle to keep the river free flow would be helpful for academia to carry out further research, as well as for those environmental activists to carry on their unfinished job of fighting against environmental injustice. To some degree, policymakers and investors might also find something important for decision-making; nevertheless, a consensus is to be reached on what has been pointed out in this paper.
Date: 13 October 2022, 16:00 (Thursday, 1st week, Michaelmas 2022)
Venue: Christ Church, St Aldates OX1 1DP
Venue Details: Michael Dummett Lecture Theatre or ONLINE
Speakers: Win Myo Thu (University of Oxford), Prof Simon Dadson (University of Oxford)
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keeping-the-rivers-flowing-freely-tickets-430832671117
Cost: Free
Audience: Members of the University only
Editors: Chris White, Donna Palfreman