The Mekong River Commission: Challenges, Mission, and Strategies

2 Mekong River Basin Six Riparian Nations

3 Longitudinal river profile of the Mekong River from source to delta Vertical drop in the river is about 4,500m in China; the river drops only about 500m over the remaining 2,600km to the South China Sea.

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Average: Upper Mekong (18%) China – 16% Myanmar – 2% Lower Mekong (82%) Cambodia – 18% Lao PDR – 35% Thailand – 18% Viet Nam – 11% Contributors of water

6 Flood season flow volumes observed at Kratie

Lower Mekong Basin longest rivers ( one of world ’ s longest rivers (approx 4,800km) population population of 60 million, with rapid increase to 100 million in 2025 ecosystems iodiversity one of the most productive and diverse ecosystems in the world. Biodiversity is particularly exceptional in the upper reaches, in the wetlands of the Tonle Sap, the Plain of Reeds, and the Mekong estuary.

The Need for Development poorest countries The riparian countries Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam are among the poorest countries in Asia and the World. GNP/capita In terms of GNP/capita, Thailand is more advanced, but has experienced a considerable draw-back in the last couple of years. Water is an essential resource for livelihoods: fisheries, agriculture, energy …

Growing Pressure on Water Resources More than 80% of the people live a subsistence life relying on water- related resources for food. More than 30% of the population live in extreme poverty 50 – 80% of people in Lao PDR and Cambodia are without access to safe water and proper sanitation. (Years 1995, 1997, 1999)

FloodsFloods floods floods are a natural phenomenon. They are important for replenishing the soil fertility and providing spawning habitats that produce an abundance of fish. deathdamage But they also cause death, damage to crops and property, and contri- bute to, or aggravate, food insecurity, health risks, and poverty. man-made effects man-made effects are also influencing flood patterns everywhere in the Basin.

11 Why cooperation in water management is important for peace in international river basins, countries need to share water and agree on equitable use, development projects in the water sectors in one country may have impacts on water availability and water regimes in another country Typical examples: A hydropower dam retains water in the wet season and releases water in the dry season An irrigation scheme on a tributary reduces the flow of he mainstream and may increase saline intrusion in the delta

The 1995 agreement Cooperation in all fields of sustainable development, utilisation, management and conservation of the water and related resources of the Lower mekong Basin

13 Mekong River CommissionMekong River CommissionMekong River CommissionMekong River Commission Mekong River CommissionMekong River CommissionMekong River CommissionMekong River Commission Riparian Member Countries MRC

14 Our Vision An economically prosperous, socially just and environmentally sound Mekong River Basin

15 Our Mission To promote and coordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries benefit and the people ’ s well-being by implementing strategic programmes and activities and providing scientific information and policy

16 ChallengesChallenges Before 1995 joint investigations After 1995 joint planning coordinated implementation environment protection prevention and cessation of harmful effects adoption of rules for reasonable and equitable use of the river system and for the maintenance of flows on the mainstream freedom of navigation increased cooperation with upstream countries

17 Through Integrated Water Resources Management at basin level

18 Irrigated Agriculture Fisheries Hydropower Navigation Watershed Management Flood Management Water Supply and Sanitation Tourism To make optimal use of water in the various sectors

19 How ? An Integrated Programme Approach Adopted by the Council Proposed to the International Donor Community

20 MRC Information System – Databases – GIS - Models Basin Development Plan Water Utilisation Programme Environment Programme Flood Management and Mitigation Programme Decision Makers in Member Countries, Investors and Funding Agencies Project planning and implementation Navigation Programme Fisheries Programme Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme Tourism Programme Hydropower Programme MRC Programme - towards IWRM

MRC ’ s STRATEGY: Sustainable Basin Development In line with the 1995 Agreement MRC strives for: Sustainable and environmentally sound development. a holistic approach a basin wide approach regional cooperation

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