Mekong Eye - News, analysis and opinion focusing on the environment and sustainability of the Mekong region

30 September 2016 at 9:32  (Updated on 11 January 2024 at 0:49)
Vinh Phu
Video by VTV2, in Vietnamese with English Subtitles
Risk from Mekong-river water transfer
The water pressures on the Mekong River downstream region are growing as projects transferring water to dry regions have been set up. And the point is that it will be difficult to prevent the implementation of these ambitious projects.
The race for as much water as possible has started. In particular, Thailand is the most active country and Vietnam is the most disadvantaged countries.
To implement a massive planned water diversion project near Loei province, Thailand needs to invest in the system of water transfer stations, tunnels and pipelines, purportedly to serve agricultural irrigation needs in dryer parts of the country.
In principle, when a project has a major impact on the environment, before deploying it the people must be consulted. However, when the information came to the area, the project had already started.
As the last country on the flow of the Mekong River, Vietnam is inevitably affected by mega projects of upstream water diversion. Water flow will reduce.And the change in the upstream flow also poses many threats to the alluvium, necessary for farming and other life in the Mekong Delta.
However, the implementation of this project will not be easy when countries must share resources. It will be very tough to get the upstream countries to sit at the negotiating table and revise the agreement that they are benefiting from.
This video news documentary explores these transboundary water management issues.
By VTV2. Watch on YouTube.
This video was produced in collaboration with The Mekong Eye and Mekong Matters Journalism Network through a field workshop for journalists. The journalist and their outlet retain full editorial and copyright control. Translation by the journalist and their outlet. Summary by The Mekong Eye, based on video transcripts.
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