Supporting the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in improving water management

Context

Seventy million people in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam live in the Mekong region. The Mekong and its tributary rivers are a crucial source of food, energy and drinking water. One third of global rice exports come from this region, a significant factor in global food security. However, economic development is increasing the risk that natural resources are over-exploited. Climate change is exerting growing pressure, while water conflicts threaten regional stability. There is a need for joint strategies for long-term water management in view of the region’s role as an important trade partner for the European Union.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has been managing regional cooperation since 1995. It plays a crucial role in transboundary challenges such as flood and drought.

Objective

The MRC improves its management of climate change impacts in the Lower Mekong Basin and optimises cooperation between the member countries.

Approach

The project advises the MRC on extending its institutional capacities and achieving financial independence while fulfilling its core tasks. At the same time, the organisation must react flexibly to environmental changes. The MRC is realigning its strategies in order to improve transboundary services and promote good solutions.

A network for environmental monitoring has been established and is analysing data on the general ecology of the Mekong Basin. The aim is to improve the assessment of socio-economic and environmental impacts and thus enable early identification of the causes of water pollution or extreme weather events, for example, and provide support to policy-makers.

With support from the project, digital master plans have been prepared in two border regions for improving water management using digital technologies. The MRC steers and coordinates investments in green infrastructure. Financing is provided from international and national funds.

As at: February 2025