Funding of strategic priorities. It is expected that these costs can be funded through international and regional grants, supplemented by national public budgets and private sector funding. Since, MRC will coordinate BDS implementation and implement most of the results chain, the above funding will contribute to the implementation of the MRC SP, either as unallocated, earmarked or associated funding. The other regional water cooperation mechanisms will manage their own budgets for the implementation of the water-related activities that could contribute to BDS Outcomes.

A Mekong Fund. The development of a regional Mekong Fund could be considered to attract funding from multiple sources to finance identified (joint) social and environmental investment opportunities of transboundary significance, as well as water-related disaster recovery. Potential sources, subject to further investigation, discussion and national regulations, could include contributions from the private sector, development partners, and new sources such as carbon financing.. An operational Mekong Fund will enhance trust between the countries and unlock new opportunities for cooperative and joint water resources development. It would also help address ongoing social and environmental concerns about the potential transboundary impacts of development projects, and the need to help communities adapt to these changes.