The Nu-Salawin-Thanlwin River (collectively known as
the Salween) is one of the last wild rivers in Southeast Asia
and the second longest river in the region, flowing 2,400
km through China, Thailand, and Myanmar. While still
mostly undeveloped, the river has very significant potential
for hydropower, and governments of all three basin countries
are actively promoting development, despite local
opposition in many areas. This State of Knowledge paper
reviews what is known about river health in the Salween
Basin, including both the current state and uses of the river
and its catchment, and issues likely to drive change in the
near future.