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2011-01-16

Greater Mekong Subregion and ASEAN as well SIGs

Comments on Geoff Wade “ASEAN divides”, `5/01/2011, http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2011/01/15/asean-divides/

The recent floods in Queensland in Australia have generated new debates on various issues, including dams or the lack of dams, or the ideology by some especially the Greens opposed to building dams in Australia.

Those opposed to building dams have some problems on their hand, or contradictions.

Dams, apart from a useful regulator of flood waters, can be a source of clear energy. The Greens, however, are opposed to this sort of clean source of energy even though they are opposed vehemently to coal power generation plants.

In the Australian context, dams can also have another very important role, that is, fr fresh water supply, given that water restrictions were in most places, like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra where people were even not allowed to wash their cars.

Leaving the issues of dams aside, one should realise the natural or inherent advantages of some regions, as opposed to some people liked or promoted ideas of advantages. This is reflected in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Some people outside this region may have their own ideas on the projects in this region, but their ideas may not necessarily in line with the interests of the people in this region.

Special interest groups can also work against the interests of this region.

One should be aware of this kind of international lobby groups or special international groups and their often different motives.

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