Publications related to Navigation

Protocol for Riverine Microplastics Monitoring
A detailed methodology for long-term and cost-effective monitoring of riverine plastic debris pollution in the Lower Mekong River

With a recent study identified the Mekong River as one of ten rivers to contribute over 90% of plastic debris to the world’s marine environment, there is an urgent need for a reliable data and information on riverine plastic debris pollution and their impacts to the aquatic environment of Mekong River. This Protocol for Riverine Microplastic Monitoring has been developed and finalized as one of three protocols of the MRC’s Detailed Methodology for the Long-term and Cost-effective Monitoring of Riverine Plastic Debris Pollution in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB). The finalization of the detailed methodology was made possible through the concerted efforts and commitment of the MRC Member Countries and support of experts at national, regional and global levels, and included rigorous processes of consultations, capacity building, and piloting to ensure that the methodology is adapted to the situation of the LMB. The methodology aims to provide the much-needed data and information for an improved knowledge and understanding on the pathway and behaviors of plastic debris pollution in the LMB, from land-based sources to riverine environment, and ultimately to the marine environment. Information derived from the long-term implementation of methodology can be used to assess the effectiveness of plastic waste management the LMB.

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.bh5hvu | Published on: 19 Jan 2024 | Language: English

Guidelines for Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment in the Lower Mekong River Basin (TbEIA)

The Guidelines for Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment in the Lower Mekong River Basin (TbEIA) is designed as a flexible document with perspective of its further elaboration based on gradually accumulated experience of Member Countries with a TbEIA application. It is also designed as a supporting tool applicable with respect to the different national EIA legislation systems in Member Countries. It builds on and supplements five MRC procedures, including the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement; Procedures for Data and Information Exchange and Sharing; Procedures for Water Use Monitoring; Procedures for Maintenance of Flows on the Mainstream, and Procedures for Water Quality in addressing potential transboundary environmental impacts of development projects.

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.aqrsbk | Published on: 20 Feb 2023 | Language: English

Preliminary Design Guidance for Proposed Mainstream Dams in the Lower Mekong River Basin (PDG)

The new Preliminary Design Guidance is an updated version of the original PDG introduced in 2009. It incorporates not only what the MRC Member Countries have learnt from their own experience with hydropower, but also from examples and best practices around the world. It also includes the most current knowledge regarding design criteria, science and technology. While the older PDG spanned this range of construction and operation elements (hydraulics; sediment transport; geomorphology; water quality; aquatic ecology; fish and fisheries; dam safety; and navigation), the new PDG now includes hydrology and socio-economic impact to reflect the greater attention paid today to riparian communities and riverine livelihoods.

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.ajutqi | Published on: 20 Feb 2023 | Language: English

Handbook on Mainstreaming Gender into the Mekong River Commission’s Core Functions and Activities: A Guidebook for a Gender-Responsive and Resilient Lower Mekong River Basin

The Handbook for Gender Mainstreaming into the MRC Core Functions and Activities offers a supporting tool – or a guiding note – to assist the MRC to effectively integrate a gender perspective into all aspects of its work, from the development, update and application of strategic tools, procedures, normative guidelines, studies, and organizational strengthening to designing and advocating for joint actions. It also provides a working aid to integrate gender perspectives during the course of the BDS 2021–2030 and SP 2021-2025 implementation, and beyond

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.ajutqn | Published on: 30 Dec 2022 | Language: English

Completion Report for the MRC Strategic Plan 2016–2020
Achievements the Completion Report 2016–2020 presents the MRC’s key

Achievements in terms of the completion of outputs, the achievements of outcomes and financial performance during the five-year implementation of the MRC Strategic Plan 2016–2020 and its Annual Work Plans. It also includes the lessons learned from that period, and how they formed the basis of the next planning cycle – the Basin Development Strategy 2021–2030 and the MRC Strategic Plan 2021–2025.

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.qx5ynu | Published on: 23 Jul 2021 | Language: English

Technical Guidelines on the Implementation of the Procedures for Water Quality

The Technical Guidelines facilitates the implementation of the Procedures for Water Quality (PWQ) – one of the five Mekong Agreement’s Procedural Rules. The objective of the PWQ is to “establish a cooperative framework for the maintenance of acceptable/good water quality to promote the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin.”

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.ay2l12 | Published on: 16 Jun 2021 | Language: English

MRC Annual Report 2019 Part 1
Progress and Achievements

The Annual Report covers the key achievements and progress of the Mekong River Commission for 2019, the fourth year of implementation of the MRC Strategic Plan (MRC SP) 2016-2020.

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.ajg3u6 | Published on: 16 Jun 2020 | Language: English

Interactive report for the Council Study: Findings and Recommendations

This snapshot ้highlights key findings and recommendations of the Council Study, including on potential benefits and impacts of water resource developments in different sectors, and underlines needs and opportunities in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB).

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.ajg58l | Published on: 23 Sept 2019 | Language: English

MRC Annual Report 2018

The Report covers the key achievements and progress of the Mekong River Commission for 2018, the third year of the MRC Strategic Plan 2016-2020 and the mid-point in its implementation.

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.ajg66h | Published on: 28 Jun 2019 | Language: English

A Journey towards Integrated Water Resources Management in the Lower Mekong Basin 2019

This report, presented through visuals and stories, depicts the efforts by the MRC over six years to transform dialogue to cooperation at the cross-boundary level. It tells how the Commission has strengthened integrated water resources management in the Lower Mekong River Basin via five different projects.

Download | DOI: 10.52107/mrc.ajg66o | Published on: 03 Jun 2019 | Language: English

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