Deal #6606 Version #76322

According to International Rivers, local people have been led to believelthat the project will not have serious negative impacts, but instead would provide substantial benefits if it proceeds.

During the three-year development of the project, 11 resettlement sites have been constructed for the 37 villages submerged under the reservoir of the plant with 1,735 households of 9,296 people resettled.

Environmental Degradation: According to International Rivers in 2008, although only a relatively small area of forest will be inundated by the reservoir (estimated to be 12.69km2), part of the Bokeo Reserve and the Nam Ha NPA will be directly and indirectly impacted by the Nam Tha 1 project through losses of aquatic resources, increased hunting pressure, increased likelihood of logging and NTFP collection, loss of forest to roads and power transmission lines, and the possible resettlement of villages into the Nam Ha NPA. The EIA fails to adequately assess the biodiversity value of the Nam Tha Basin and the threats posed by a large hydropower project within it. Socio-economic: livelihoods will be limited to jobs created by the project and trade. Fishing, agriculture, river transport, collection of wetland products and tourism will be affected significantly once the project commences. This would increase pressure on upland and forest resources. Displacement: People from 37 villages have been displaced and resettled

Minister Inthirath praised the work of CSG, saying, “in the future, the station can also help boost local tourism and navigation, improve the environment of the Nam Tha River basin, protecting the ecology surrounding the reservoir, and coordinating the development of local economy. After the COD of the station, work dedicated to improving the locals’ livelihood will be resumed, paving the way for poverty alleviation and economic prosperity.” The company to plans release more fishes in future based on ecological needs.

Education: The Nam Tha River Company has launched a donation for the school with around 1,200 U.S. dollars plus computers, quilts, clothes, and sports equipments. Capacity Building: Some were trained for jobs in the Hydropower station Other: Jobs created; company has put 40,000 fishes in the reservoir