Hydropower
development is often justified by the projections of
social
and economic advantages, using assessment processes that
are
often narrowly focussed only on the environmental and social
impacts
of the areas directly impacted by dam construction and
inundation
(WCD, 2000). Indeed the current assessment processes
underway
for the proposed dams on the main stem of the LMB
appear
to mirror this approach. This assessment expands the issue of
impacts
to include a first assessment of protein replacement
scenarios
due to projected losses to the capture fishery of the
Mekong
Basin, which is the primary source of protein for the 60
million
residents of the LMB. The essence of this research has been to
identify
and anticipate where burdens of shifts within food security
will
be borne. This type of analysis could be employed in almost any
area
where inland fisheries make up a portion of food security.