WATER GOVERNANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MEKONG RIVER BASIN

Abstract

Water governance for sustainable development in transboundary river basins is complex due to each riparian state to have different levels of social, political and economic. That means each country differ in levels of wealth, job opportunities, climate change, deforestation, decreased wetland, environmental degradation, business regulation, law enforcement and political freedom, etc. The Mekong River, which flows through countries of China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have challenges related to its stream flows from upstream to downstream. Keep in mind that the increasing water demand which results from increasing population and human economic activities calls for the development and management of waters of transboundary. Therefore, there is a need to develop and manage the water resources by adopting and implementing Integrated Water Resources Management & Development Plans (IWRMD). The plans will ensure the assessments of water resources and water demand, reviews of the institutional and legal framework, and implementation of strategy and/or action plans. The present of economic activities support organizations like Mekong River Commission (MRC), ASEAN and Greater Mekong Sub-Region Program (GMS) is a good indicator of achieving sustainable development in Mekong Basin (MB). However, this study applied the use of Water Evaluation and Allocation Program (WEAP) in analysing of water supply and demand in Mekong Basin (MB). The use of the WEAP model ensured equal allocation of water for different demand such as domestic water demand, industry water demand, agriculture water demand, and allowing minimum environment flow requirement. Furthermore, WEAP enable the authorities to decide on current and future water uses and the requirements by various sectors; help to resolve myriad conflicts amongst countries. The results obtained from the WEAP model in this study shows there is an increase of requirement of water in the near future for all simulated scenarios of water demand in the Mekong basin. Generally, the study observed a few things which need to be done in the basin to ensure sustainable development. Firstly, the Mekong River Commission needs to be reformed and re-constructed by including China and Myanmar as members of the MRC. Secondly, strengthen the cooperation and exchange of information among riparian states. Finally, hydropower development projects and its consequences should be assessed under involvement of all Mekong Basin riparian states and consultant agencies.