What are the expected impacts of the project on the Nakai Plateau and on the people who now live there?

The project would affect three different areas in central Lao PDR: the Nakai Plateau, the downstream areas along the Xe Bang Fai River, and the downstream areas along the Nam Theun River. Significant project resources would be also be dedicated to establishing and maintaining effective management for the Nakai Nam Theun National Protected Area.

The Nakai Plateau will be partially flooded to create a 450 sq. km. reservoir behind the NT 2 dam. About 6,200 people will have to be resettled. Terrestrial and aquatic habitats and associated biodiversity will be affected as a result ofthe flooding of the plateau and changes in water quality in the reservoir. To mitigate the expected environmental impacts, an Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) has been developed which systematically accounts for all habitat loss on the Plateau. The management plan addresses habitat management needs for species of high conservation value on the Plateau. In collaboration with the Nakai-Nam Theun Watershed Management Authority (WMPA), the EMP will also support new wildlife studies, surveys, and community awareness programs for habitat and species management concerns (see detailed response below).

The resettlement program, as outlined in the Social Development Plan, aims not only at restoring but also at improving livelihoods of the affected people. The proposed resettlement sites were chosen to meet villagers’ expressed desires to be near the future reservoir, near all-weather roads, near their present locations, near the forest and near land that can be used for growing rice and other cash crops. All villagers would be resettled short distances from their present homes, and most, if not all, will remain within their spiritual boundaries. Because these communities are among the poorest in Laos—80% of the families cannot grow enough rice for the year—the aim of the resettlement program is not only to restore their incomes but rather to improve their livelihoods.

Villagers would be provided with improved housing, infrastructure and services, in locations chosen with their active participation, with training and financial support to start their farms and other livelihood activities—such as forestry, fishery, livestock, small-scale business and non-farm employment, and gathering of non-timber forest products, as well as education and medical facilities. These activities would be monitored and supported through the completion of construction.

 

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