Standardization of a vessel and waterway classification in the Mekong River Basin

The "Standardize vessel and waterway classifications" is to update and harmonize different standards, rules, and regulations to uniform common standards for the development and liberalization of waterway transport on the Mekong River System. It involves analyzing technical and operational criteria for vessel classification and proposing standardized either one waterway classifications for the whole Mekong River Basin or two classifications for the upper and lower parts. It develops a proposal for waterway classification for each stretch of the Mekong River, its tributaries, and canals. In addition, a comprehensive set of regulations for vessel and waterway classification in the Mekong River Basin is prepared for implementation in the four MRC Member Countries.

Technical Guidance for the Protection and Restoration of Key Fish Habitats of Regional Importance

The fisheries resources of the Lower Mekong Basin are under considerable pressure from rapid economic development. Consequently, Technical guidance for the protection, restoration and improvement of key fish habitats of regional importance has been developed. The Technical Guidance is process-driven and identifies different levels of information, data collection and actions required to improve the conservation and sustainability of fish species, populations, communities, as well as other aquatic animals, in the LMB. The Technical Guidance adopts the Drivers–Pressures –State –Impact–Response (DPSIR) approach to identify the main threats to fisheries, and design, implement and monitor the most appropriate actions.

Protocol for Riverine Macroplastic Monitoring

Long-term and Cost-effective Monitoring of Riverine Plastic Debris Pollution in the Lower Mekong River

With a recent study identified the Mekong River as one of ten rivers to contribute over 90% of plastic debris to the world’s marine environment, there is an urgent need for a reliable data and information on riverine plastic debris pollution and their impacts to the aquatic environment of Mekong River. This Riverine Macroplastic Monitoring Protocol has been developed and finalized as one of three protocols of the MRC’s Detailed Methodology for the Long-term and Cost-effective Monitoring of Riverine Plastic Debris Pollution in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB). The finalization of the detailed methodology was made possible through the concerted efforts and commitment of the MRC Member Countries and support of experts at national, regional and global levels, and included rigorous processes of consultations, capacity building, and piloting to ensure that the methodology is adapted to the situation of the LMB. The methodology aims to provide the much-needed data and information for an improved knowledge and understanding on the pathway and behaviors of plastic debris pollution in the LMB, from land-based sources to riverine environment, and ultimately to the marine environment. Information derived from the long-term implementation of methodology can be used to assess the effectiveness of plastic waste management the LMB.

Technical Report – Phase 1 of the Joint study on the Changing Patterns of Hydrological Conditions of the Lancang-Mekong River Basin and Adaptation Strategies

This is the 1st phase report of the Joint Study on the Changing Pattern of Hydrological Conditions of the Lancang-Mekong River Basin and Adaptation Strategies, conducted by the MRC and LMC Water Center. The report identifies two key factors that contribute to hydrological changes in the LMB. First are natural factors, including precipitation patterns, evaporation rates, soil properties and topography. Second are human activities, such as infrastructure development, water management, land cover and land-use changes. These two factors interact and influence the amount, timing and water distribution within the Basin.

MRC Annual Report 2022

Key Achievements and Impact Stories

The Annual Report 2022 opens a window onto the Mekong River Commission’s most significant achievements of 2022 and sheds light upon the progress that the MRC aims for in 2023. 2022 was the second year of implementation of the MRC Strategic Plan 2021–2025, which contributes directly to the Basin Development Strategy 2021–2030. After two difficult years slowed by the global COVID pandemic, MRC work with its four Member Countries largely returned to normal. The five Strategic Priority areas of the BDS: Environment, Social, Economic, Climate Change, and Cooperation aim to achieve 11 BDS Outcomes and 30 Outputs by 2030. More specifically, a total of 95 routine and non-routine activities are deemed necessary to achieve these Outputs. Each section of the content contained in this report then illuminates these five prioritized dimensions: the challenges being addressed, the objectives achieved and the advances yet to come.

FS MRC Consolidated Report, Audit 31 Dec 2022

FS MRC Basket Fund Report, Audit 31 Dec 2022

Enhancing the MRC Land Use and Land Cover 2020 Mapping Products

This report summarizes the process starting from the background of the project, field data collection, and most importantly, the process of applying the Earth Observation technology via machine learning using the Google Earth Engine platform and the approach agreed by the expert group from the Member Countries to update the land cover and land use map of 2020 for the Lower Mekong Basin region.

MRC 2022 EU (AUP) - Report 2022

Support to enhanced cooperation in sustainable transboundary water management in the Mekong basin
ACA/2018/402-232

FS MRC Earmarked Fund Report, Audit 31 Dec 2022