Mekong river

Downstream suffers disadvantaged

The Mekong River has considerable potential for the development of hydropower and irrigation. However, the development of these potentials is constroversial because it will bring consequences for the natural resources of the river and the communities that depend on it. Currently, massive development of hydropower dams on the upper Mekong river promises a lot of risks for countries in the downstream of the Mekong River (including Viet Nam).

Scientists have pointed out a series of potential risks for downstream countries when the upstream countries are in a racing of hydropower dams construction. A large amount of river sediment will be trapped in reservoirs so that water quality in downstream will be reduced and the field can not get fertile sediment. On the one hand, large dams can cause great negative changes related to geology, topography and soil.  On the other hand, changes in the river flow may create a new form of erosion and sedimentation in downstream. Moreover, this change will affect the stability of the river as well as ecosystem in the river sides. Especifically, if the dams is broken because of natural disasters or human being, the consequences for downstream countries  are extremely heavy.

Oppositive benefits in developing the hydropower potential are great concerns for most countries along the river. Therefore, countries in the Mekong River Basin are on the way to find a common voice to manage water resources equitably and sustainably.

Benefits sharing at local level

Benefits imbalance occurs not only at national level but also among people within a nation.

The people participation in the water resources management is so important. In some countries in the Mekong River Basin, people play decisive role in selecting investors who exploit the river’s flow. The project developers tend to create livelihoods or compensate for people who are forced to resettle or live near the project. However, in fact, those who are indirectly affected often live far away from the project and will be suffered from the degradation of natural resources are not recognized and compensated. It is really a matter thatMekong River countries should cope with in order to protect and exploit the river’s advantages.

Finding a mechanism for sharing resources among people in a nation is very necessary. Dr. Carl Middleton, international development studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand said that to manage water resources in a fair and sustainable way, it is neceassy to pay more attention on fair and sustainable energy sources management. Energy planning causes impact on society, not only energy security with maximum economic efficiency, but also environmental protection and social justice.

Pham Oanh