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MRC Calls on Mekong Countries to Work Together to Address River Basin Challenges

PHNOM PENH: A Mekong River Commission (MRC) report states that development combined with floods and droughts is having a serious negative impact on the Lower Mekong Basin, which requires member countries to take immediate action to protect important waterways in Southeast Asia.

The MRC released its report on Wednesday, 16 March 2022, calling on member countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as upstream countries such as China and Myanmar, to cooperate in urgent water diplomacy to protect Southeast Asia's largest river and promote sustainable development for millions across the region, sustaining the lives of those most affected from infrastructure projects and climate change.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwan, who is the Chairman of the MRC, says water diplomacy is becoming increasingly important in Southeast Asia, especially with regard to the growing number of dams being built and other water infrastructure projects and development activities. In the Mekong Basin, under the added impact of climate change, there are significant consequences for the overall social and economic well-being of those who live in the area.

An Pich Hatda, the Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat, said that the MRC has secured a partnership with the Lancang Mekong Water Cooperation Center and improved its partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as such cooperation has already provided benefits.

Last year, the MRC and ASEAN also launched a "Water Security Dialogue" to push for innovative solutions to emerging challenges surrounding water security.



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