The Project would help the member states of the Mekong River Commission (MRC): Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, implement key elements of the 1995 Agreement on Cooperation for Sustainable Development of Mekong Basin (Agreement). The Project's broad development objectives would be to assist the MRC to establish mechanisms to promote and improve coordinated and sustainable water management in the Basin, including reasonable and equitable water utilization and water quality management by the countries of the Basin and protection of sensitive ecological systems including wetlands, flooded forests and the estuary system that support globally significant bio-diversity. This would be achieved through preparation of "Rules" for water utilization (in particular, minimum in-stream flows on the Mekong River) and protocols for information exchange, notification/consultation in accordance with the Mekong Agreement. The Project would assist in the formulation and implementation of the Rules by facilitating consultations among the MRC-member states and helping the MRC develop a Basin Simulation Model Package and Knowledge Base.
The project became effective in March 2000. Its Management Team at the Mekong River Commission has agreed an annual work plan with the four member countries. TORs for basin hydrological modeling have been prepared and country data assembled and reviewed. Reviews of relevant laws and institutional structures in each country are underway. Recruitment of technical specialists is at an advanced stage.
Other (not set)
Cambodia , Lao People's Democratic Republic , Thailand , Viet Nam , Regional
River
Budget
USD 17,950,000
Total Cost of the project
USD 10,750,000
GEF Allocation to project
Partners
The main focus is on helping the poorest people and the poorest countries, but for all its clients the Bank emphasizes the need for:Investing in people, particularly through basic health and educationFocusing on social development, inclusion, governance, and institution-building as key elements of poverty reduction Strengthening the ability of the governments to deliver quality services, efficiently and transparently Protecting the environment Supporting and encouraging private business developmentPromoting reforms to create a stable macroeconomic environment, conducive to investment and long-term planning.
Contacts
Chief Executive Officer
International Waters Senior Officer
Team Leader of the Water Utilization Program
CEO of the MRCS
IT Officer MRCS