Water security and a sustainable Mekong is a top priority for Vientiane
In the face of challenges threatening the water resources of the Mekong and the livelihoods of the people relying on it, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit has called for innovation and cooperation to respond to the ongoing problems.
Water security and a sustainable Mekong is a top priority for Vientiane
New Sustainable Economics

Water security and a sustainable Mekong is a top priority for Vientiane

Photo: iStock
Eurasia 09/04/2023 07:37

In the face of challenges threatening the water resources of the Mekong and the livelihoods of the people relying on it, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit has called for innovation and cooperation to respond to the ongoing problems.

The fourth Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit was held in Lao capital Vientiane to discuss the preservation of the Mekong River and strengthening of regional cooperation for sustainable development of the river, Vientiane Times reported.

Delivering her opening remarks, the Lao minister told attendees at the Ministerial Meeting for the 4th Summit of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) that climate change is bringing extreme flooding and drought to the region.

Climate change has exacerbated floods and drought in the Lower Mekong River Basin. In the wet years of 2018 and 2000, the number of people suffering from floods increased to as many as 12 million. Meanwhile, drought frequency increased in the 10 years from 2010 to 2020 compared with the previous decade, according to the MRC - the intergovernmental body that serves as a platform for the management of water resources and sustainable development in the region.
Photo: iStock

In addition, Mrs Bounkham said industrialisation and a growing population have placed burdens on the natural resources of Southeast Asia’s largest river, which provides livelihoods for tens of millions of people.

“We need to forge a new path for more balanced and optimal Mekong water resources management and development,” Mrs Bounkham, who is a member of the MRC Council for Laos, told meeting participants.

“Therefore, innovation and cooperation for water secure and sustainable development are needed in this river Basin.”

Ministers and heads of delegations from the MRC member countries – Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam - and representatives of the upper Mekong countries of Myanmar and China together with development partners attended the ministerial meeting.

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