Sixteen delegates from the United States recently took part in the 11^th Mekong – Mississippi Sister Rivers Partnership Exchange, held from 22 to 26 January 2024, in Thailand and Vietnam. The purpose of the visit was to foster the exchange of experiences between the Mississippi River Commission and the Mekong River Commission, contributing to water security and prosperity in both river basins. Joining the Mississippi River Commission was the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as the technical arm of the Commission, as well as the US Department of State, and the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia. Representatives from the Cambodian and Lao National Mekong Committees also joined the exchange.

Brigadier General Kimberly A. Peeples, President, Mississippi River Commission, shared: “The past week has been truly remarkable as it afforded us the opportunity to engage with various institutions and organizations, while immersing ourselves in the astounding biodiversity and vibrant livelihood of the Mekong River basin. The Mississippi River basin faces similar challenges as well as opportunities”. She added: “This Sister Rivers Partnership Mekong and Mississippi River Commissions remains strong as ever because it is built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect among all our nations. We are committed to working together for the betterment of our basins, our nations, and our people."

Meeting with Dr Surasri Kidtimonton, Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources, Secretary-General of the Thai National Mekong Committee Secretariat, Chairperson of the MRC Joint Committee for 2024

During their visit, the delegates engaged in meetings with different institutions and counterparts from the Mekong countries, including the Office of the National Water Resources of the Prime Minister’s Office and Hydro-Informatics Institute in Thailand and the Vietnam National Mekong Committee Secretariat, Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, and Southern Institute of Water Resources Planning in Vietnam. These meetings provided valuable insights into the operations of these institutions, as well as issues of water and climate-related disasters, monitoring and forecasting technologies, and discussions on water resources management in the Mekong. In addition, the two commissions held a technical exchange session focusing on sediment management and core river monitoring networks. 

The technical exchange by the two commissions

Jonathan ‘Andy’ Ashley, Director of the Mississippi River Science & Technology Office for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division, and the Mississippi River Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, "This visit has been truly interesting for us. There are a lot of similarities in our work (Mekong River Commission and Mississippi River Commission), particularly regarding system monitoring and data utilization. We have learned tremendous amount from our Mekong counterparts during this exchange.”

The visit to Hydro-Informatics Institute, Thailand

A highlight of the visit was the field trip to the Bong Bot Sluice Gate, where the delegates witnessed how Vietnam utilizes its irrigation system to prevent saline intrusion and protect the Mekong Delta's agriculture and aquaculture. The Mekong Delta, a crucial agricultural region, faces significant challenges due to climate change and other factors. The delegates learned about the detrimental effects of saline intrusion on farmland and livelihoods, as well as the solutions and adaptation strategies being implemented.

The delegation also visited the Tra Su Mangrove Forest, which provided an opportunity to explore the wetlands and biodiversity conservation of the Mekong region. With its sprawling cajuput trees and intricate network of canals, the 850-hectare forest offers a picturesque environment inhabited by diverse plant and animal species. Birdwatchers particularly enjoyed the forest's abundance of bird species, including storks, egrets, and herons, which create a captivating spectacle through their graceful flight.

In addition, the delegates visited a large fish farm operated by the Nam Viet group, where they learned about the successful aquaculture practices and the "catfish model" exported to the US market. The Mekong Delta region has become a major hub for catfish production and export, with Vietnam supplying a significant portion of the American demand for this popular seafood. The delegates gained insights into the modern techniques and sustainable practices employed by farmers in the area.

B.G. Peeples at Tra Su Mangrove Forest, An Giang province, Viet Nam

Brigadier General Kirk Gibbs, Commanding General of the Pacific Ocean Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, expressed his gratitude for the visit – his fourth exchange overall – and highlighted the importance of water management and friendship between the US and the Mekong River Commission. He stated: “We recognize the Mekong River Commission as a world-class organization. Both the Mekong and Mississippi river commissions are dedicated to serving the people living along our basins. As friends, we can learn from each other and suggest to each other what could benefit the health of these rivers, and ultimately our people.”

Mr. Adam Ross, Director of the Regional Environment Office, U.S. Embassy Bangkok highlighted the Sister Rivers Partnership as a U.S. State Department flagship initiative, “It’s an absolute honor for the U.S. State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development to join our Mississippi River Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers colleagues to conduct this exchange with the Mekong River Commission and its four member countries.  This Sister Rivers Partnership is one of our flagship initiatives under the Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP), and we are proud to be part of it.

Meeting with Mme Nguyen Thi Thu Linh, Director General, Viet Nam National Mekong Committee Secretariat

On behalf of the Mekong River Commission, CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat expressed sincere appreciation for the visit of the Mississippi River Commission delegation to the Mekong. He shared: " This being our 11^th visit, each experience has been unique and inspiring. I believe this mission has offered our friends and colleagues from the US a comprehensive understanding of the significance of the Mekong to our communities and the indispensable role of the Mekong River Commission in ensuring the Mekong is developed and managed in a sustainable manner, through implementation of procedures, guidelines, best practices and new technologies. We continue to work with the US and other partners, particularly in areas of monitoring and forecasting, data, dam safety, stakeholder engagement, and fish passage."

The 12^th Mekong – Mississippi Sister Rivers Partnership Exchange is planned for December 2024 in the United States, underscoring the commitment to continued collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two river basins.

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