MRC Strategic Plan 2021-2025
BDS Strategic Priority 1: Maintain the ecological function of the Mekong River Basin
BDS OUTCOME 1.1: ADEQUATE WATER FLOW AND QUALITY FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AND PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITIES
BDS Output 1.1.1: Guidance for water flow and quality management implemented
MRC SP Activities 1.1.1.1 Revisit PMFM and identify and evaluate potential new implementable flow thresholds (and methodologies) for guiding the monitoring and management of flow conditions in the mainstream (incl. for rapid river level fluctuations, minimum flood season, maximum dry season flows and to enable adequate reverse flow and other important functions of Tonle Sap)
1.1.1.2 Implement PMFM guidelines including any updated or additional implementable flow thresholds
1.1.1.3 Review and update the PWQ including with new methods for identifying and monitoring water quality related emergency incidents (informed by recent experience) and emerging water quality issues (e.g. plastic pollution)
1.1.1.4 Implement PWQ guidelines including any new monitoring methods and parameters (e.g. for plastic pollution)
1.1.1.5 Support implementation of the Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Transport of Dangerous Goods
1.1.1.6 Implement PWUM using upgraded DSF connected to ground, global and satellite datasets
BDS OUTCOME 1.1: ADEQUATE WATER FLOW AND QUALITY FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AND PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITIES
BDS Output 1.1.2: Guidance and measures for impact mitigation of water infrastructure implemented
MRC SP Activities 1.1.2.1 Support use and integration of Preliminary Design Guidance in regional and national regulatory frameworks
1.1.2.2 Support implementation of Joint Action Plans for all mainstream hydropower projects
1.1.2.3 Support implementation of the Rapid Basin-wide Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Tool in Mekong tributaries
1.1.2.4 Support application and mainstreaming of the Guidelines for Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment into national Environmental Impact Assessment systems and regulations
BDS OUTCOME 1.2: SEDIMENT TRANSPORT MANAGED TO MITIGATE BANK EROSION AND MAINTAIN WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN PRODUCTIVITY
BDS Output 1.2.1: Basin-wide sediment management plan developed and implemented
MRC SP Activities 1.2.1.1 Undertake a study on sediment transport throughout the basin including on the sources and fate of sediments, the impact of existing and planned infrastructure and sediment extraction activities, and the extent and distribution of bank erosion
1.2.1.2 Identify options for reducing sediment trapping at existing and planned dams and for reducing sediment extraction, taking into account the interacting factors that lead to bank erosion (for input to basin-wide scenario assessments)
1.2.1.3 Prepare a basin-wide sediment management plan based on a study of sediment transport and riverbank erosion, enhanced monitoring and initial scenario assessment work)
BDS OUTCOME 1.3: ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FROM WETLANDS AND WATERSHEDS ENSURED
BDS Output 1.3.1: Limits of acceptable change for key river and connected wetland habitats identified and implemented
MRC SP Activities 1.3.1.1 Identify and assess limits to adequately protect key regional environmental assets (i.e. wetlands) including consideration of early and quick flow into the Tonle Sap Lake and gradual flow out of the lake and other ecosystem functions and services, through engagement of scientific expertise, national agencies and local communities
1.3.1.2 Support Member Countries in updating, developing and implementing management plans for priority regional environmental assets identified in the SBEM and other regional environmental strategies
BDS OUTCOME 1.3: ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FROM WETLANDS AND WATERSHEDS ENSURED
BDS Output 1.3.2: A basin-wide planning and management framework for watersheds developed and implemented
MRC SP Activities 1.3.2.1 Identify good practice institutional, governance and regulatory arrangements for the management of watersheds with opportunities for harmonisation and capacity building between countries
1.3.2.2 Develop a basin-wide planning and management framework for watersheds that include key regional environmental assets due to their role in providing regionally significant ecosystem services
Strategic Priority 2: Enable inclusive access and utilisation of the basin’s water and related resources
BDS OUTCOME 2.1: STRENGTHENED WATER, FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY FOR BASIN COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
BDS Output 2.1.1: Access and supply of safe water to people in vulnerable situations improved
MRC SP Activities 2.1.2.1 Review and incorporate important fish habitats into the network of key regional environmental assets and their management plans and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation measures including in relation to vulnerability to climate change
2.1.2.2 Support enhanced institutional, governance and regulatory arrangements within national and provincial fisheries management frameworks including socio-economic monitoring and research on fisheries related issues such as fish stock assessments
2.1.2.3 Support agreed transboundary fisheries management projects
BDS OUTCOME 2.1: STRENGTHENED WATER, FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY FOR BASIN COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
BDS Output 2.1.3: Risks to capture fisheries productivity and diversity minimised to support food security
MRC SP Activities 2.1.3.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of existing fish passages for hydropower and irrigation structures (including by working with developers) and potential alternative designs in relation to the unique fish ecology of the basin
2.1.3.2 Support national uptake of recommended actions and guidelines (including by working with developers) for improving fish passage or other adaptation measures for hydropower and irrigation structures
BDS OUTCOME 2.1: STRENGTHENED WATER, FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY FOR BASIN COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
BDS Output 2.1.4: Gender and vulnerability aspects of basin water, food and energy security addressed
MRC SP Activities 2.1.4.1 Undertake a desk review and analysis, in collaboration with relevant partners, of the multiple gender and vulnerability aspects of basin water, food and energy security (including indigenous and minority ethnic groups) identifying specific needs, challenges and opportunities and including recommendations on cost effective and priority gender disaggregated data and vulnerability mapping requirements
2.1.4.2 Enhance national disaggregated data collection and mapping on gender and vulnerability within the Data Acquisition and Generation Action Plan, including to inform SDG reporting
2.1.4.3 Analyse data and information and provide recommendations on improving equity for vulnerable groups
Strategic Priority 3: Enhance optimal and sustainable development of water and related sectors
BDS OUTCOME 3.1: INCREASED ECONOMIC GROWTH OF ALL BASIN COUNTRIES FROM MORE PROACTIVE REGIONAL PLANNING
BDS Output 3.1.1: The Basin Development Plan and associated national plans for water resources development are informed by the findings of a more proactive regional planning approach
MRC SP Activities 3.1.1.1 Assess options for water resources development including increasing natural and constructed water storage to support water security, irrigation, hydropower, fisheries and environmental outcomes, using GIS/EO technology and field work
3.1.1.2 Formulate basin-wide development scenarios (in addition to previously assessed national plans) with alternative development options, considering gender and vulnerability, and update the existing basin-wide assessment methodology
3.1.1.3 Initial assessment of the agreed basin-wide development scenarios for environment, social and economic outcomes and the distribution of benefits and costs, including with the use of socio-economic and vulnerability mapping
BDS OUTCOME 3.2: ENHANCED INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE, HYDROPOWER, NAVIGATION, ENVIRONMENT AND FISHERIES SECTORS
BDS Output 3.2.1: Irrigated agriculture investment and associated measures implemented
MRC SP Activities 3.2.1.1 Coordinate development of guidelines on sustainable transboundary groundwater management and support implementation through country-to-country capacity building
3.2.1.2 Identify opportunities, promote and provide guidance on irrigation development opportunities, for adaptation to climate change, improved food security, and reduced inequity
BDS OUTCOME 3.2: ENHANCED INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE, HYDROPOWER, NAVIGATION, ENVIRONMENT AND FISHERIES SECTORS
BDS Output 3.2.2: Sustainable hydropower development strategy and related regional energy plans implemented in synergy
MRC SP Activities 3.2.2.1 Support implementation of the SHDS and coordinate and promote alignment with regional energy plans (incl. GMS and ASEAN)
3.2.2.2 Assess alternative cost-effective regional energy/water system integration options (e.g. floating solar with hydropower, seasonal storage, etc.) within the context of broader energy sector plans including solar and wind and as informed by comprehensive regional options assessment(s) by countries and other regional actors (ASEAN, GMS, etc)
BDS OUTCOME 3.2: ENHANCED INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE, HYDROPOWER, NAVIGATION, ENVIRONMENT AND FISHERIES SECTORS
BDS Output 3.2.3: Basin navigation plans implemented in synergy
MRC SP Activities 3.2.3.1 Support the implementation of the MRC Masterplan for Regional Waterborne Transport in the Mekong River Basin in alignment with the JCCCN Development Plan on International Navigation on the Lancang-Mekong River (2015-2025) in consultation with all basin countries
3.2.3.2 Facilitate the harmonisation of navigation rules and regulations between LMB countries and support national implementation
3.2.3.3 Facilitate and coordinate navigation investments including for tourism purposes in accordance with existing or updated plans
BDS OUTCOME 3.2: ENHANCED INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE, HYDROPOWER, NAVIGATION, ENVIRONMENT AND FISHERIES SECTORS
BDS Output 3.2.4: Regional environmental strategies and programmes implemented in synergy
MRC SP Activities 3.2.4.1 Support the implementation of the SBEM and investment projects and associated measures for the conservation and promotion of wetlands and watersheds, including for climate resilience
3.2.4.2 Raise awareness, build knowledge and capacity in leveraging ecosystem services from wetlands and watersheds through alternative financial mechanisms including carbon offsets, and ecotourism
BDS OUTCOME 3.2: ENHANCED INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE, HYDROPOWER, NAVIGATION, ENVIRONMENT AND FISHERIES SECTORS
BDS Output 3.2.5: Investment and associated measures to adapt to changes in fish populations and catch composition identified and implemented
MRC SP Activities 3.2.5.1 Support the implementation of investments and associated measures to enhance fisheries consistent with the BFMS
3.2.5.2 Explore alternative futures for fish populations and catch composition resulting from water resources development and climate change and identify options to adapt to these changes and maintain viable fish populations (including consideration of aquaculture development and trade)
3.2.5.3 Evaluate investments and other options to maximise fisheries production under changed river conditions as a result of water resources development and climate change, and support the preparation of identified investments
Strategic Priority 4: Strengthen resilience against climate risks, extreme floods, and droughts
BDS OUTCOME 4.1: BETTER INFORMED AND PREPARED BASIN COMMUNITIES AGAINST CHANGING RIVER CONDITIONS, AND MORE FREQUENT AND SEVERE FLOODS AND DROUGHTS
BDS Output 4.1.1: A core river monitoring network for the mainstream and remaining national river monitoring networks consolidated
MRC SP Activities 4.1.1.1 Assess, redesign and develop the basin’s core river monitoring network, incorporating JEM, for regional and national planning and management based on a comprehensive network analysis informed by current and future needs
4.1.1.2 Strengthen capacity and commitment for the consolidation and enhancement of nationally managed river monitoring networks
4.1.1.3 Implement river monitoring network, analysis and reporting activities (hydro-meteorological, discharge and sediment, water quality, fisheries, and ecological health) including the Joint Environmental Monitoring of mainstream hydropower and other water infrastructure and enhanced monitoring of erosion, sedimentation and transport of sediments
BDS OUTCOME 4.1: BETTER INFORMED AND PREPARED BASIN COMMUNITIES AGAINST CHANGING RIVER CONDITIONS, AND MORE FREQUENT AND SEVERE FLOODS AND DROUGHTS
BDS Output 4.1.2: Integrated data and information systems for more effective basin-wide data management and sharing
MRC SP Activities 4.1.2.1 Complete inventory, standardisation, harmonisation and update of data, information and documents and migrate them into integrated databases with improved QA/QC procedures
4.1.2.2 Upgrade remote sensing and satellite imagery repository and develop capacity of handling and using satellite products for water resource application
4.1.2.3 Operate and maintain integrated databases, information, systems and tools at regional and national levels
BDS OUTCOME 4.1: BETTER INFORMED AND PREPARED BASIN COMMUNITIES AGAINST CHANGING RIVER CONDITIONS, AND MORE FREQUENT AND SEVERE FLOODS AND DROUGHTS
BDS Output 4.1.3: Compatible Decision Support Systems in line with reinvigorated data, modelling, forecasting, and communication capabilities
MRC SP Activities 4.1.3.1 Further study the design, management and use of the region’s DSS’s and plan a regional system of compatible DSS’s (MRC’s DSF and Member Countries’, as well as linkages to DSS’s in Upper Mekong River Basin countries)
4.1.3.2 Upgrade the MRC’s Decision Support Framework with the latest international standards and technologies in order to serve both planning and operational management purposes, building on the reinvigoration of MRC’s data, information, modelling and communication systems
4.1.3.3 Maintain and operate modelling and analysis tools including the updated ones as part of the upgraded MRC DSF (e.g. production of spatial datasets)
4.1.3.4 Maintain and operate web-based DSF (including communication tools, improved MRC Web Portal, and development of apps) in support of decision-making and targeted active public communication
4.1.3.5 Support capacity building and promote the development of reinvigorated and compatible DSS’s in all basin countries
BDS OUTCOME 4.1: BETTER INFORMED AND PREPARED BASIN COMMUNITIES AGAINST CHANGING RIVER CONDITIONS, AND MORE FREQUENT AND SEVERE FLOODS AND DROUGHTS
BDS Output 4.1.4: Integrated basin-wide flood and drought forecasting and early warning
MRC SP Activities 4.1.4.1 Develop an improved and integrated regional system for basin-wide flood and drought forecasting and early warning (extension to monthly forecast, three to six monthly and seasonal outlook, and considering local knowledge and information and communication needs related gender and vulnerability)
4.1.4.2 Implement improved and integrated flood and drought forecasting and early warning information to basin countries through compatible DSS’s, enhanced exchange of data, consolidated water monitoring networks, and agreed communication protocols
4.1.4.3 Implement flash flood guidance to basin countries through reinvigorated and compatible DSS’s, enhanced exchange of data, consolidated water monitoring networks, and agreed communication protocols
BDS OUTCOME 4.1: BETTER INFORMED AND PREPARED BASIN COMMUNITIES AGAINST CHANGING RIVER CONDITIONS, AND MORE FREQUENT AND SEVERE FLOODS AND DROUGHTS
BDS Output 4.1.5: Joint State of Basin Report
MRC SP Activities 4.1.5.1 Implement the MRB-IF and Data Acquisition and Generation Action Plan to enable preparation of the 2023 State of Basin Report with improved consistency and alignment of basin-wide datasets
4.1.5.2 Prepare the 2023 State of Basin Report with all six basin countries as a mid-implementation report on the BDS 2021-2030
BDS OUTCOME 4.2: BETTER DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTATION TO WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE RISKS
BDS Output 4.2.1: Coordinated water infrastructure operations for multiple benefits including gender and vulnerability sensitive disaster mitigation and management
MRC SP Activities 4.2.1.1 Continue review of existing dam operating rules and cooperation arrangements and experiences, and identify opportunities for coordinated flow management to increase efficiency, reduce impacts and help mitigate floods and droughts
4.2.1.2 Develop and implement cooperation mechanisms for data and information sharing for existing dam operations (linked to JAPs) to optimise regional benefits and minimise regional costs
4.2.1.3 Develop and implement cooperation mechanisms for data and information sharing for new dams and other water infrastructure to optimise regional benefits and minimise regional costs
4.2.1.4 Develop and implement information sharing and communication mechanisms (including consideration of gender and vulnerability) for water-related emergencies including water quality, navigation and dam safety
BDS OUTCOME 4.2: BETTER DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTATION TO WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE RISKS
BDS Output 4.2.2: Climate change adaptation, flood and drought management mainstreamed at national levels
MRC SP Activities 4.2.2.1 Support mainstreaming of climate change adaptation to increased climate risks, floods and droughts into regional and national strategies, plans and projects
4.2.2.2 Coordinate enhanced access to international climate finance through climate fund accreditation for the MRC
4.2.2.3 Support implementation of the Drought Management Strategy including by finalising and implementing the drought adaptation guidelines
4.2.2.4 Support implementation of agreed strategic directions to manage existing, future and residual flood risks in the Lower Mekong River Basin
4.2.2.5 Further identify and facilitate implementation of transboundary projects on climate change adaptation and water resources management (including pilot projects to improve knowledge, management, systems and cooperation in response to increased floods and droughts)
Strategic Priority 5: Strengthen cooperation among all countries and stakeholders
BDS OUTCOME 5.1: STRENGTHENED MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION FOR MORE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEKONG AGREEMENT
BDS Output 5.1.1: Implementation of the MRC Procedures enhanced
MRC SP Activities 5.1.1.1 Review and improve the implementation of all MRC Procedures (PDIES, PNPCA, PMFM, PWQ, PWUM), including by synthesising evaluation results and lessons learned from emerging work on their implementation, through the Joint Platform
5.1.1.2 Based on the agreed proposal, improve the Technical Guidelines (TG) for implementing the PNPCA
5.1.1.3 Based on the agreed proposal and the implementation experience of MRB-IF and DAGAP, improve the Technical Guidelines (TG) for implementing the PDIES
5.1.1.4 Implement the PNPCA taking into account the updated TG and related technical guidelines for other Procedures
5.1.1.5 Implement the PDIES through the MRB-IF and DAGAP, taking into account the updated TG and related technical guidelines for other Procedures
BDS OUTCOME 5.1: STRENGTHENED MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION FOR MORE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEKONG AGREEMENT
BDS Output 5.1.2: Organisational development of the Mekong River Commission
MRC SP Activities 5.1.2.1 Prepare and implement an organisational development plan for the MRC towards 2030 (including the Council, JC, MRCS (and RFDMC), NMCs, NMCSs and Expert Groups) based on agreed vision of future capacity, diversity and gender, revised ROPs, organisational structure, function, and personnel, and operating arrangements
5.1.2.2 Coordinate and build capacity for national implementation of decentralised CRBMFs to achieve regional objectives, planning and management including through joint basin expert groups and guidance on integrating regional work into national ToRs and job descriptions
5.1.2.3 Institutionalize ‘uptake of Outputs’ as part of the development and implementation process for all MRC products and services based on the Uptake Guidelines
5.1.2.4 Establish a staff secondment programme between regional level and national implementing agency levels (all 6 countries) building on the Junior Riparian Professional Programme
5.1.2.5 Manage human resources and procurement in-line with HR and Procurement Manuals and the Fraud Prevention and Anti-Corruption (FPAC) Mechanism 5.1.2.6 Operate the new financial management information system in line with Finance Manual and FPAC, and in support of work planning, budget monitoring and reporting
5.1.2.7 Enhance internal controls, including operationalisation of the Audit Committee and Internal Auditor
5.1.2.8 Organise and coordinate MRC governance meetings including 2022 Summit, Council, Joint Committee, Joint Committee Task Force, and Budget Committee, including participation of MRC partners
5.1.2.9 Prepare the multi-year work plans to implement the MRC SP
5.1.2.10 Support the preparation and implementation of the National Indicative Plans to implement the BDS 2021-2030 and MRC SP 2021-2025 and 2026-2030
5.1.2.11 Prepare the MRC SP 2026-2030 to implement the remaining five years of the BDS 2021-2030
5.1.2.12 Monitor, evaluate and report on the implementation of the MRC SP, NIPs and the contribution of water-related activities (projects and programmes) of Mekong-related regional cooperation mechanisms to the BDS
BDS OUTCOME 5.2: INCREASED JOINT EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE ENTIRE RIVER BASIN
BDS Output 5.2.1: Common understanding on the potential future institutional arrangements for entire basin management
MRC SP Activities 5.2.1.1 Further clarify mandates, areas of common interests, and comparative advantages in the changing basin context for Mekong related regional cooperation mechanisms and frameworks
5.2.1.2 Explore and evaluate in a participatory manner the institutional options for managing the Mekong River Basin by 2030
BDS OUTCOME 5.2: INCREASED JOINT EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE ENTIRE RIVER BASIN
BDS Output 5.2.2: Significant joint investment projects and national projects of basin-wide significance and associated measures agreed based on consideration of trade-offs, benefit sharing and risks
MRC SP Activities 5.2.2.1 Facilitate consideration of proposed joint investment projects and measures and national projects of basin-wide significance including trade-off and benefit sharing discussions, and the comparison with benefits and costs of existing national water related development plans
5.2.2.2 Support the preparation of agreed significant joint investment projects and national projects of basin-wide significance
BDS OUTCOME 5.2: INCREASED JOINT EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE ENTIRE RIVER BASIN
BDS Output 5.2.3 Mekong water-related cooperation mechanisms and relevant partnerships implemented in collaboration with countries
MRC SP Activities 5.2.3.1 Implement and enhance partnerships between MRC and Dialogue Partners as well as the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation on Water, including agreements for year-round data sharing on river flows and dam operations
5.2.3.2 Implement and enhance partnerships between MRC and other Mekong water-related programmes of regional cooperation mechanisms (including ASEAN, GMS, ACMECS, Mekong-US, Mekong-Japan and Mekong-ROK)
5.2.3.3 Implement and enhance partnerships towards BDS Strategic Priorities between MRC and all other relevant partners, including development partners, international organisations, RBOs, research institutes and universities, non-governmental organisations and the private sector
5.2.3.4 Explore the options for establishing a Mekong Fund through multiple partnerships and financing sources for the benefit of environmental assets, disaster response and vulnerable social groups
OUTCOME 5.2: INCREASED JOINT EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE ENTIRE RIVER BASIN
BDS Output 5.2.4: Joint Basin Expert Groups
MRC SP Activities 5.2.4.1 Strengthen MRC Expert Groups with representatives from all six basin countries by deepening their technical cooperation and engagement under the MRC Dialogue Partnership and in cooperation with the LMC Water Center
5.2.4.2 Coordinate and support the operations of the Expert Groups
BDS OUTCOME 5.2: INCREASED JOINT EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE ENTIRE RIVER BASIN
BDS Output 5.2.5: Harmonised basin-wide stakeholder platform
MRC SP Activities 5.2.5.1 Develop a Multiple Stakeholder Platform for the whole basin with countries and MLC Water and in consultation with all other relevant partners (to consolidate and align) including clear objectives and guidelines on participation and contribution
5.2.5.2 Coordinate the management and operations of the Multiple Stakeholder Platform (including the regional stakeholder forum) including consistent recording, reporting and impact tracking procedures in response to stakeholder input
5.2.5.3 Implement proactive engagement and communication with stakeholders, the media, and the public