Dams, economic interests and political power are just some of the factors contributing to the over-exploitation of the mighty Mekong. Can any of the competing transnational bodies halt the river’s decline?
Category: Mekong
Southeast Asia’s hydropower boom grinds to a halt as COVID-19 stalls projects
The government of Laos has already ordered a temporary halt to all hydropower construction in the country, after a mining company worker tested positive for the virus.
Have China’s dams been drying up the Mekong River or is low rainfall to blame?
Beijing said it was “unjustifiable” to blame China for worsening drought in lower reaches of the Mekong, as Chinese officials disputed the findings by citing low rainfall during last year’s monsoon season.
Greater transparency in data sharing and cooperation will improve management of the Mekong River, says MRC
In 2019, the monsoon rains began almost two weeks late and stopped about three weeks earlier than usual,” it added. “The basin lost about five weeks of rain and only received about 75% of rainfall as compared to previous years.
China to strengthen information sharing, cooperation with Mekong River countries
Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in response to media reports that China’s dams on the upper Mekong River have aggravated drought in downstream countries.
The COVID-19 rice economy: what a pandemic means for Southeast Asia’s staple
Restrictions on exports, drought in the Mekong, labour shortages and supply chain issues will all limit supply and drive up prices despite the demand-side issues of a global economic slowdown.
Thailand Proposes Joint Study with China, Neighbors on Mekong River Drought
Thailand on Friday called for a joint study with China and neighboring countries to determine what caused a devastating drought in the Lower Mekong Basin last year, after a U.S.-funded report indicated that Chinese dams had restricted the flow of water downstream.
Coronavirus lockdown leads to a spike in poaching of critically endangered animals
‘Suddenly rural people have little to turn to but natural resources and we’re already seeing a spike in poaching,’ said Colin Poole, WCS regional director for Greater Mekong in Southeast Asia.
China’s drain on Mekong
Nobody will buy China’s defence as long as it offers no transparency on its use of Mekong water upstream.
Creating a sustainable sand industry requires greater regulation: Here’s why
Problems are most visible in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Providing half of the country’s food, this network of rivers and swamps is known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. Now, its riverbanks are being stripped away.