Overlooking the stunning Mekong River nestled in the Nakhon Phanom province is a scene of serene and profound beauty. Yet, its underlying issues related to climate change are a cause of serious concern to the six nations that lay on its banks.
This, in turn, led to Surasee Kittimonthon, the secretary-general of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), to pledge that these countries would tackle climate changes head on. As Thailand’s representative at significant meetings including the 3rd Lancang-Mekong Water Resource Cooperation Forum and the 18th World Water Congress in Beijing, which took place from Sept 10-13, Mr. Surasee emphasized this commitment.
The said forums were also graced by dignitaries from the six Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) member countries. This iconic and life-sustaining Mekong River, spanning 4,880 kilometres, serves 326 million people in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand.
The focal point of these meetings was an insightful exchange of groundbreaking knowledge and superior technology, while also showcasing the successful implementation of projects powered by an MLC special fund. Progression towards better water management cooperation amongst the MLC member countries was lucidly reported.
“Thailand underscores the pivotal role cooperation plays in water resource management. This involves incorporating all segments of society, be it governmental bodies, the private sector, civil society actors, or even women and youth organisations. Together, we can overcome the repercussions of climate change like flooding, drought and the growing demand for fresh water,” expressed Mr. Surasee fervently.
Striving towards attaining sustainable water management, Thailand proposed a water management scheme inspired by its 20-year water management masterplan. This proposition aligns directly with a global vision – the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Further addressing these crucial environmental concerns, member countries consented to proceed with the first phase of a joint examination between the Mekong River Commission and MLC. The collaboration seeks to enhance data sharing concerning the Mekong’s water flow operations, streamlined water release and more importantly, solutions to mitigate the effects of both drought and flooding in the downstream river areas among countries.
Moving forward, the founding of a joint expert group will run comprehensive studies, and there will also be a joint Lancang-Mekong survey to assess the impact on communities who have built their lives around the river.
Indeed, there is a long journey ahead in battling these environmental challenges, but with a united front, the six nations along the Mekong River are determined to champion over climate change.
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