Panel of Experts Briefing on Nam Theun 2 Dam Project
August 22, 2007
Vientiane (live), Bangkok (by videoconference)

The US$1.45 billion Nam Theun 2 (NT2) hydropower project being developed in the central part of Lao PDR hopes to generate revenues that can be targeted for priority poverty reduction and environment protection programs. To prevent and reduce undue harm to people affected by the project and the environment, a set of social and environmental impact mitigation measures have been put in place.

The Lao Government has set up the Environment and Social Panel of Experts (POE), a group of international experts in dams, environment, and social protection, to help it monitor the social and environmental impact of the NT2 project. The Panel visits the project twice a year and provides independent assessments on the treatment of social and environmental issues while the project is under preparation. Their reports are publicly disclosed and available in the World Bank’s website.
Members of the Panel of Experts are currently in Lao to review NT2 progress since their last visit in January of this year. On August 22, the Panel will publicly share the results and findings of their visit to the Lao Government ahead of their written report expected in September.

The Panel of Experts’ briefing is scheduled at 2:00 pm in Vientiane on August 22. After the panel’s presentation, there will be a question and answer sessions for members of the donor and civil society community, media and other stakeholders.

The briefing will be televised in Bangkok via satellite connection at the World Bank Office, located on 30th floor of Siam Tower on Rama I Road.

Reporters and members of non-governmental organizations are welcome to attend this event. Please send your request to Tinnakorn Sareenun at tsareenun@worldbank.org, or tel. (0) 2686-8300. English-Thai translation will be provided simultaneously.

For more information about the Nam Theun 2 Project visit http://www.worldbank.org/laont2