What Governance Lesson Does Mekong Bear for Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) Basin?

This article talks of the various governance lessons that the Mekong basin bears for the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) basin. It highlights the existing hydropolitical and ecological problems associated with the GBM basin, the reasons for which are attributed to the reductionist colonial engineering paradigm also delineated in this article as ‘arithmetic hydrology’. The transboundary interactions in the GBM to resolve the problems have largely relied on an issue-based, piecemeal, fragmented approach that has further complicated the problems. It is in this context, the article brings in how a cooperative mechanism in the institutional form of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) has been attempting to promote a participative and integrated approach to river basin governance. The article, therefore, talks of some of the replicable practices and learnings that may help in takeaways for the GBM riparians and stakeholders from the Mekong system. JEL Codes: F02, N50, Q01, Q22, Q24, Q25, Q28

Land Use and Land Cover Changes and Its Impact on Soil Erosion in Stung Sangkae Catchment of Cambodia

Agricultural expansion and urban development without proper soil erosion control measures have become major environmental problems in Cambodia. Due to a high population growth rate and increased economic activities, land use and land cover (LULC) changes will cause environmental disturbances, particularly soil erosion. This research aimed to estimate total amounts of soil loss using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. LULC maps of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 2002 and Mekong River Commission (MRC) 2015 were used to evaluate the impact of LULC on soil erosion loss in Stung Sangkae catchment. LULC dynamics for the study periods in Stung Sangkae catchment showed that the catchment experienced a rapid conversion of forests to paddy rice fields and other croplands. The results indicated that the average soil loss from the catchment was 3.1 and 7.6 t/ha/y for the 2002 and 2015 periods, respectively. The estimated total soil loss in the 2002 and 2015 periods was 1.9 million t/y and 4.5 million t/y, respectively. The soil erosion was accelerated by steep slopes combined with the high velocity and erosivity of stormwater runoff. The spatial distribution of soil loss showed that the highest value (14.3 to 62.9 t/ha/y) was recorded in the central, southwestern and upland parts of the catchment. It is recommended that priority should be given to erosion hot spot areas, and appropriate soil and water conservation practices should be adopted to restore degraded lands.

China looms large over South-east Asia’s Mekong states

Significance The Mekong flows through China and the five mainland South-east Asian states -- Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Earlier this month, China belatedly informed the downstream Mekong countries of reduced water flow because of power-line maintenance at one of its dams on the river. Impacts US partners India and Japan will look to strengthen economic ties with the South-east Asian Mekong states. Climate change and low rainfall will exacerbate droughts in mainland South-east Asia. The China-led Lancang-Mekong Cooperation initiative will dominate management of the Mekong, overshadowing the Mekong River Commission.

Laos’s economic needs will stymie push to curb graft

Subject Laos's infrastructure and anti-corruption drives. Significance Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith is aiming to tackle rising public debt and corruption. The ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) last year suspended approval of new hydroelectric projects following the collapse of a dam in the Mekong river basin, but the country is committed to developing hydropower. Impacts The four-country Mekong River Commission will have limited influence over Lao hydropower policy. Anti-corruption efforts will not result in political challenges to the LPRP. The government will aim to persuade international organisations active in Laos of its new openness.