S10 · E07

Sustainable Forest Living in Laos

The Nam Theun 2 Dam sits atop the Nakai Plateau in eastern Laos. Most of the power it produces is sold to Thailand, but a percentage of profits is earmarked for nature conservation and for improving the lives of locals. The region is a treasure trove of plant and animal life, so the government has forbidden locals from hunting or logging. Those who have lost their livelihoods are now pinning their hopes on an income from eco-tourism. The residents of one village have had their lives turned upside down by the mega-dam. What can be done to both conserve the environment and improve locals' quality of life?