The joint study is due to be formally launched in December 2021 and will run until 2024. It consists of two phases, the first of which will take place during 2022 and is anticipated to yield immediate recommendations for actions. The second phase occurring in 2023–2024 will be implemented in coordination with the MRC’s Strategic Plan 2021–2025.
Category: Mekong
Wildlife traffickers creeping back as pandemic restrictions ease – U.N. report
Through interviews with wildlife traders and traffickers in difficult-to-police regions in countries along the Mekong River – like Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and China – the UNODC found evidence of wildlife products being stockpiled until prices and demand recover.
Simmering glacial geo politics: upcoming crises with transboundary water cooperation on Asia’s back burner
In the short-term, the amount of water is projected to rise, contributing to floods. The Upper Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mekong are each expected to increase total runoff by up to 27 percent. These increases will not be sustained.
Water stress poses credit risks for coal, mining and power sectors: Moody’s
In Asia, said Moody’s countries with the highest exposure to water management risks also tend to be large agricultural producers, with those banking systems facing sizable loan exposures. This is the case in India, China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Bangladesh where in many cases credit to agriculture and fisheries is reflective of the sectors’ importance to employment.
CKP moves forward with Luang Prabang dam
Thailand’s CK Power Plc (CKP), a power generation arm of CH Karnchang Plc, is going ahead with its feasibility study to build a hydroelectric power plant near Luang Prabang on the Mekong River in northern Laos. The study will be conducted alongside negotiations over a power tariff rate with the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, which will be a power buyer.
Asean’s focus on Mekong issues is crucial for region’s water security
Last month’s first-ever Water Security Dialogue showed the importance of involving young people and focusing on water resources development. As a historic show of unity between Asean and the Mekong River Commission, it will serve to enhance the ability of regional governments to tackle risks.
Three countries cooperate to audit water resources of Mekong River basin
Specifically, the amount of water from upstream to the Mekong Delta in 2020 decreased by 157 billion m3 compared to 2011, while the amount of sediment fell by 14 million tons compared to 2017 (37%).
Mekong countries endorse plan for post-pandemic growth
The projects are backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which said the pandemic has pushed eight million more people in GMS countries into poverty, adding that more than 340,000 migrant workers have been forced to return home.
ADB welcomes Mekong group’s 10-year development strategy
The ADB says for the first time the GMS has laid out a clear mission and the bank is willing to work with group members to bring economic growth and help combat threats such as climate change, trade barriers, rapid urbanization and pandemics such as the Coronavirus.