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    Socio-Economic Monitoring and Social Impact Assessment

    The MRC is committed to being a comprehensive and high-quality source of data and information on the status and trends in water-related conditions, including social and economic situations across the Mekong River Basin. The Basin Development Strategy 2021-2030 particularly prioritizes the modernization of data and information acquisition, processing and sharing, to strengthen the MRC’s role as a knowledge hub for the Mekong River related resources and conditions.

    The MRC adopted a comprehensive Mekong River Basin Indicator Framework (MRB-IF) in 2018 comprising five dimensions, including the social and economic dimensions for basin-wide monitoring and impact assessment. The MRC Data Acquisition and Generation Action Plan (DAGAP) to implement the MRB-IF was approved in 2019. Correspondingly, the Socio-Economic Database was developed and finalized in 2023.

    The Socio-Economic Database which was launched and publicly available in 2024 integrates the socio-economic indicators under the MRB-IF collected within DAGAP provided by Member Countries from national surveys, administrative reports and concerned national line agencies. This Socio-Economic Data Collection within DAGAP covers a wide-ranging set of 90 socio-economic and gender vulnerability related indicators spanning 40 years from 1981 to 2020, at national and provincial spatial scales (Lower Mekong Basin boundary).

    The data include hundreds of underlying data items, and are aggregated by gender (male/female, boys/girls), urban/rural areas, and key water-related sectors (agriculture, fisheries, forestry, hydropower, navigation, sandmining and tourism). The available socio-economic and gender vulnerability data has been applied in the State of Basin Report (SOBR 2023), Mekong Atlas (2023) and other MRC’s assessments and reports at regional and national levels. Therefore, the Socio-Economic Database (2023) will enable users such as the MRCS, Member Countries, and concerned line agencies to access the required data especially, the SE and G&V data items, analyses and maps for use in regional and national planning and decision-making processes in the future.

    The countries of the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB) – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam – differ significantly from each other in geographical size, population, economies, standard of living, as well as political and social practices. The current ecological, demographic, and socio-economic conditions in the basin present a complex and evolving landscape.

    From an environmental perspective, there have been significant changes in the Mekong River Basin’s flow regime over the past decade. Specifically, dry season flows have increased while flood season flows have decreased compared to historical patterns. While there have been improvements in some social indicators, disparities remain across the basin population. Access to food and basic services varies between the riparian countries and among different population groups within each country.

    Economically, although poverty rates have generally declined in the basin countries, a large share of the population remains economically vulnerable. Extreme events, such as floods and droughts, continue to cause substantial economic losses, especially for vulnerable communities that rely heavily on water-related resources.

    Based on the analysis of existing data, the LMB countries have made substantial progress over the past decades in terms of social development and gender equality. The MRC recognizes that sustainable development in the basin depends on promoting social equity and enhancing the resilience of its population. Continued economic growth, along with targeted policies and actions, will be needed to tackle persistent inequalities.

    In the context of diversity of geography, demographics, and socio-economic conditions across the LMB, it is therefore essential to identify which areas are most vulnerable and the extent to which water resources development projects sustain local livelihoods in the long term. This information is vital for basin planning and to identify the opportunities and risks of different development scenarios.

    One of the MRC’s socio-economic assessments featuring a large-scale socio-economic impact assessment is the Council Study on the Sustainable Management and Development of the Mekong River Basin including Impacts of Mainstream Hydropower Projects, published in 2018. The studies foster better understanding of socio-economic changes in the region and how water related developments affect social conditions.

    Besides the Council Study (2018) and the Socio-Economic Database (2023), the MRC has been undertaking a programme of recurrent surveys to study the social conditions and vulnerability of households to changes in the environment and in the availability of aquatic resources through the Social Impact Monitoring and Vulnerability Assessment (SIMVA).

    SIMVA is an important tool for socio-economic monitoring, generating valuable data for more in-depth studies and basin development planning work. It is part of the MRC’s environment, socio-economic and climate change monitoring system in the LMB. SIMVA supports the goals of the MRC’s Basin Development Strategy, Strategic Plan, and the 1995 Mekong Agreement, which all reaffirm the MRC’s commitment to promote social development.

    The first SIMVA survey conducted in 2010 and SIMVA survey conducted in 2011 generated baseline data on socio-economic conditions and the extent of dependence on water resources of people living in the 15 km-wide corridors along each side of the Mekong mainstream and those living on the major floodplains. The 2014 SIMVA survey focused on the impacts of floods and droughts on households in the LMB corridor. The latest SIMVA report 2018 was available in 2021, features gender related information for the first time, in addition to overall livelihood dependency on the water resources. The data is critical for the effective design of prevention and adaptation measures, and for timely water resource interventions.

    SIMVA will continue to be a critical part of the MRC’s core river network monitoring under the MRC Strategic Plan 2026-2030. Therefore, the SIMVA Guideline Framework (2025) was developed and published on the MRC website for further reference and implementation of the SIMVA field surveys in 2026. The SIMVA report 2026 will be finalised and published on the MRC website during 2027 as critical data and information for SOBR 2028 and other MRC’s assessments, including the analysis of gender and vulnerability needs, challenges and opportunities throughout the basin.

    Both secondary and primary socio-economic data collected and analyzed will serve as a baseline of the current understanding of gender and vulnerability issues in relation to water, food and energy security and to develop recommendations on policy measures for improving equity for vulnerable groups in relation to water, food and energy security in LMB.

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    Mr. Yasunobu Matoba

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Yasunobu Matoba, a Japanese national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Yasunobu has an extensive career in agricultural and irrigation with various roles ranging from project planning, implementation, and supervision to personnel administration. He has worked in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. ”

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC Secretariat, he held the position of Director at the Construction Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), where he oversaw various agricultural projects, including those for agricultural production, land and water resource conservation, and the maintenance of water and land use facilities. 

    Before that, he held several key positions, including Director of the Overseas Operations Department at the Japan Agricultural Land Development Agency (JALDA) in 1992-1993, Director of the Planning

    Department at the Hokuriku Regional Agricultural Administration Bureau from 1990 to 1992, and Deputy Director in the Agricultural Administration Department of Kumamoto Prefecture from 1988 to 1990, where he managed land improvement projects. 

    In terms of education, Yasunobu holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in irrigation, drainage, and reclamation engineering, and rural planning from the University of Tokyo, which he obtained in 1967. 

    Dr. Olivier Cogels

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2004 to 2007, Dr. Cogels, a Belgian national, served as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. Dr. Cogels‘ tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat led the organization to substantial progress. He guided the MRC toward becoming an international river basin organization focused on developing its water resources for the economic benefit of the people and countries involved. This approach fostered improved cooperation with China and enhanced the MRC’s influence in the region. Under his leadership, the MRCS developed a more coordinated program structure, formulated an ambitious strategic plan, and introduced the concept of the Mekong Programme to the region – a development program owned by the member countries, which bolstered the MRC’s involvement with other regional initiatives.  ”

    Before assuming the role of CEO at the MRC, Dr. Cogels held the position of Programme Director of the International Program on Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage at the Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome, Italy. 

    Prior to that, he had worked with organizations such as the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNESCO, the World Bank, and the European Space Agency. 

    Educationally, Dr. Cogels holds a Master of Science in Land and Water Engineering and a PhD in Hydrodynamics and Water Resources Management from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, where he also served as a Professor. He also completed a post-doctorate at the University of California, Davis. 

    Mr. Kristensen Joern

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Kristensen, a Danish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, he served as a Senior Programme Manager for the Eastern Europe, South and Eastern Asia, and the Pacific Operations Branch at UNDCP HQ in Vienna, Austria. In this role, he led efforts to secure EU funding, established a partnership between UNDCP and the EU for major drug-law enforcement in Southeastern Europe, and engaged in strategic planning for the elimination of opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar.  Educationally, Mr. Kistensen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from the University of Odense, Denmark, which he obtained in 1972. He also pursued postgraduate courses in Administration and Human Resources Management at the Institute of Public Management in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1984. ”

    Prior to that, he held the role of Country Director for UNDCP in two challenging environments: Vietnam from 1994 to 1997 and Myanmar from 1991 to 1994. In this role, he developed comprehensive drug control policies, facilitated cooperation among UN agencies, and raised significant funds – between US$6,000,000 and $7,000,000 – for key projects. 

    Before this, he was the Regional Director for the Danish Refugee Council in Denmark. He was entrusted with the reception, resettlement, and social integration of refugees (500 to 800 persons at any given time). He managed around 60 staff members and built extensive liaisons and cooperation with various groups. 

    Mr. Jeremy Douglas BIRD

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Jeremy, a British national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Jeremy combines his experience at the strategy and policy level with a solid practical background across multiple facets of water resources, including regulatory processes, conceptual design of water resources infrastructure, river basin management, irrigation, disaster risk management, knowledge generation, development finance, and stakeholder engagement.”

    Mr. Jeremy’s tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat was marked by significant responsibilities and accomplishments, such as developing an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Strategy for the Basin and organizing the First MRC Summit of Prime Ministers in 2010, which raised the profile of the MRC and provided a high level of oversight for its activities. He also developed closer relations with China, formulated the MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative, and represented the MRC at numerous international conferences and meetings. His successful negotiations among member countries resulted in a permanent location for the Secretariat and administrative arrangements for establishing a co-hosted headquarters. Mr. Jeremy’s tenure saw the implementation of institutional and administrative reforms and a new direction for the 5-year strategy for the MRC, focusing on the core functions of river basin management. 

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Jeremy worked as an Independent Water Resources Advisor from 2003 to 2008, providing consulting services on water resources management to various organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. 

    Prior to that, he served as a Coordinator and Team Leader for the Dams and Development Project (DDP) at the United Nations Environment Programme, which aimed to promote dialogue for improved decision-making in water resources infrastructure. He coordinated national multi-stakeholder processes to identify priority issues for policy reform in South Africa, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam, involving numerous stakeholders. Moreover, he expanded their stakeholder forum to include over 100 diverse organizations, initiated dialogue with Chinese agencies, and organized international meetings.

    Mr. Hans Joakim GUTTMAN

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Hans, a Swedish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    With his expertise as coordinator/manager and rich experience with over 18 years in the field of water resources development and management for sustainable rural development. He is no stranger to the MRC or its vision, having served as the head of the Environment Programme for six years from 2001-2007. His extensive technical expertise and inside knowledge gained from living in the region for almost two decades enabled him to lead the MRC during a period of change and growth within the MRC.”

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Hans held the position of Coordinator for the Wetlands Alliance (WA) Programme at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, where he led the strategic development by securing funding for WA, and guided nearly 50 local government agencies and NGOs. He ensured these agencies received implementation support and contributed to the broader goals of the Alliance. Prior to that, he served as the Head of the Environmental Programme at the MRC Secretariat for six years, from 2001 to 2007. There, he oversaw a US$2 million annual budget for the programme, coordinated with National Mekong Committees (NMCs) and other relevant national agencies, and advised senior management on environmental matters while representing the MRC in these areas. 

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC, he served as a Programme Specialist at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he managed rice field fisheries and other aquatic resource issues in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He raised awareness about the importance of these resources, built capacity to manage them, and developed strategies for sustainable use. 

    Before this, he was a Special Advisor at Tha-Ngone Aquaculture Development (TAD) in Vientiane, Laos. He assisted the manager in running a fish farm with over 30 employees, by planning, training, and managing fish and prawn production. He also helped improve the administrative section’s work. 

    Academically, Mr. Hans holds a Master of Science in Aquaculture from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he was recognized for his thesis specialization in water quality, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology/Geography from James Cook University in North Queensland, Australia. 

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    Mr. Pham Tuan Phan

    First Riparian Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat

    “From 2016 to 2019, Mr. Pham, a Vietnamese national and Mekong citizen, was appointed the CEO of the MRCS.  

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, Mr. Pham served as the CEO of a software development company in Vietnam for eight years, during which he expanded the company from a one-person operation to employing over 40 individuals. ”

    Prior to that, he held senior positions at Vietnam’s largest information technology company for three years. Preceding his time in Vietnam, from 2001 to 2004, Mr. Pham worked at the United Nations (UN) Secretariat in New York, USA, within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. During his four-year stint, he conducted numerous missions to UN member states, focusing on economic and social affairs. Notably, he spearheaded the implementation of the Integrated Management Information System service in 2000, which facilitated the deployment of the Enterprise Resource Planning system across the entire UN network worldwide. 

    Before his UN tenure, Mr. Pham led the infrastructure and communications section at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, Austria, from 1997 to 2000. His efforts led to the establishment of a groundbreaking global communications network, enabling the collection of monitoring data from 321 stations worldwide, including 13 in China. This network, initiated with a US$78-million contract, remains operational to this day. Mr. Pham’s career trajectory began with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) junior professional program in 1984, culminating in his rise to a directorial position at the UN in 2000. Notably, both the IAEA and the UN Secretariat received Nobel Prizes during Mr. Pham’s tenure, with the IAEA being recognized as one of the best-run UN organizations. 

    Educationally, Mr. Pham holds a degree in nuclear instrumentation from Belarus State University, former Soviet Union, earned in 1982. He also completed core courses for a Master of Business Administration from the UK Open University at Milton Keynes in 2000

    Dr. An Pich Hatda

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Hatda, a Cambodian national, was appointed as the 2nd riparian CEO of the MRCS.   

    Dr. An is an accomplished leader with a great mix of leadership, inspiration, operational experience, technical breadth, and passion for a better Mekong, a track record of achievements having held various high-profile positions with Mekong related bodies over the past 20 years. ”

    Before taking the office as CEO Dr. Hatda served as director of Planning Division at the secretariat, where he led a multi-disciplinary team of different nationalities and expertise to deliver strategic outputs to the MRC’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020. He successfully completed the Prior Consultation process and Joint Action Plan for the Pak Beng hydropower project which gained him of trust from the first riparian CEO for being strategic, structured, results-oriented and neutral team player and leader.

    Prior to that, He worked as Operation Manager with the Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Center and National Specialist with the Basin Development Plan Program. He also served as Deputy Secretary General for 6 years at the Cambodia National Mekong Committee and Alternate JC Member for Cambodia. 

    Dr. Hatda holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Tokyo, Japan, and a Master of Science in Agricultural Planning and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. He obtains a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia.