August - October
2004/2
Mekong News
T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E M E K O N G R I V E R C O M M I S S I O N
Mekong River Commission Secretariat
moves into new riverside home
in Phnom Penh, alongside their Cambodian
counterparts, prior to relocation. In addition a
number of Cambodian support staff had
moved to Lao PDR for a period of up to one
year to help train the second batch of support
staff in order to further reduce the impact of
changing personnel.
"At the professional level very few people
decided not to relocate, which is very
pleasing and overall we managed to keep the
inevitable disruptions of such a move to a
minimum," Dr Tu said.
Over coming months, the MRCS will keep
hiring local, regional and international
professional and support staff, to bring its
total employee figure to around 120.
The decision to rotate the location of the
MRC Secretariat between Phnom Penh and
Vientiane was made following the signing of
the 1993 Agreement, resulting in the
incent Gautier
V
Secretariat relocating from Bangkok to
The new MRC Secretariat in Vientiane has been fully operational for two months.
Phnom Penh in 1998. Following its five
years in Phnom Penh, the Secretariat moved
t last the boxes are unpacked and it's
staff beginning to pack up their Phnom Penh
supported the set up of the building.
to Vientiane for the next five-year period.
A business as usual again for the Mekong offices from mid-May and shipping starting In addition he added special thanks to the
River Commission Secretariat; only the
shortly after that. Staff commenced moving
Thai Government, through the Thai National
The Vientiane building has been provided
place has changed.
into the building from June 21, and on July 1
Mekong Committee, which has provided the
by the Government of Lao PDR. The new
the doors opened officially to the public.
new office furniture for the Secretariat
headquarters agreement was formalised in
In mid-June the MRC staff took up
building and to the Viet Nam National
a signing ceremony in Vientiane on June 14,
occupancy in a brand new building built on
Officer-in-Charge at the time of the
Mekong Committee which provided funds
2003 attended by Deputy Prime Minister of
the banks of the Mekong River in Vientiane,
relocation, Dr Dao Trong Tu welcomed the
to support the completion of the building.
Lao PDR H.E. Asang Laoly.
Lao PDR, which will be home for the next
staff to the new building on June 22, and
five years. Purpose built for the MRC, the
commented on how well the relocation
Dr Tu said that prior to the move, the MRC
graceful white building with its traditional
operation had gone.
had tried to mitigate staff losses to ensure that
design has a stunning view of the river
the work of the programmes was not unduly
stretching across to fellow member country
He thanked the Lao and Cambodian
disrupted. Continued smooth running of the
Thailand.
Governments for all their help in making the
MRC's ongong programme implementation
move as trouble free as possible, while
had been further supported by the on-the-job
The move took place over a month, with
extending his gratitude to the donors who
training of the first intake of Lao support staff
Thailand provided new office furniture.
I N S I D E
Meet the Mekong River Commission's new CEO
New Wetlands biodiversity programme launched
Low water takes toll on Cambodian bagnet catches
The Mekong River Commission Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR
184 Fa Ngoum Road , Unit 18, Ban Sithane Neua, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane 01000, Lao PDR
Telephone: 856-21 263 263
Facsimile: 856-21 263 264
E-mail: mrcs@mrcmekong.org
Website: www.mrcmekong.org
Farewell to Phnom Penh
he MRC entertained a host of guests
for sustainable development," he said.
Tincluding ministers from the Royal
Cambodian Government, donors, local
"The development of the basin
NGO representatives and ambassadors at a
development planning process is taking
farewell function for the MRC Secretariat
place through the Basin Development
in Phnom Penh on May 27.
Plan, measures to ensure the ecological
balance of the region are being developed
Officer-in-Charge at the time Dr Dao
through the Environment Programme,
Trong Tu told the assembled crowd how
rules for water sharing continue to be
grateful the MRC Secretariat was to the
established through the Water Utilisation
Cambodian Government, donors, partners
Programme and Flood Management and
and supporters for the generous and
Mitigation is now a dedicated core
continued support the MRC Secretariat had programme in its own right.
received, saying it could not have been
able to undertake the work it had achieved
"In addition, key areas of sectoral interest,
over the past five years without them.
namely fisheries, water resource
management, and agriculture irrigation and
"All of our staff have been made to feel
forestry, are operational."
extremely welcome in this country. We
have at all times received the highest level
As current chairman of the MRC Council,
of cooperation from the many government
Mr Lim Kean Hor said he was, personally,
agencies we have worked with regularly,"
very proud of the establishment of the
he told guests.
Flood Mana-gement and Mitigation
Programme in particular. Cambodia was
"Relocating an organisation like MRC is a
committed to the successful
complex task. The assistance and support
implementation of this programme and
of a number of Cambodian authorities has
was delighted to be the host of the
facilitated what will be a very smooth
Regional Flood Management and
relocation process."
Mitigation Centre to be established in
Phnom Penh.
H.E. Mr Lim Kean Hor, Minister of Water
Resources and Meteorology, Chairman of
He added that Cambodia's participation
the MRC Council for 2003/2004 and
and contribution to MRC would continue
Chairman of the Cambodia National
to strengthen.
Mekong Committee said the Government
had been proud to host the Secretariat at
Following the speeches, guests enjoyed a
such an important time in its development.
traditional performance by dancers from
the Cambodian Fine Arts Department and
"The Mekong River Commission is now
had time to catch up with contacts and
fully implementing the 1995 Agreement
counterparts.
H.E. Mr Lim Kean Hor addresses the crowd, accepts a gift from
Dr Dao Trong Tu (left) and Mr Mok Mareth, then chats to Australian
Ambassador H.E. Lisa Filipetti and greets Alternate Joint Committee
Chhoy Pisei
member for Lao PDR Mr Boriboun Sanasisane.
Five-year milestones
he past five years spent in Phnom
the international stage and to the global
This institute will continue to monitor the
In July this year the MRC established a
TPenh have been historically significant network of world class fisheries
Mekong fishery and contribute to regional
Flood Management and Mitigation
for the MRC. In this time a new structure
knowledge.
initiatives that will help grow and
Programme, which will become one of its
and programme approach for the
safeguard its productivity in the future.
new core programmes and will be housed
organisation has been forged and
In 2002 MRC was recognised
in a new Regional Flood Management and
implemented.
internationally for its river basin
In November 2003 the MRC Joint
Mitigation Centre in Phnom Penh.
management with the award of the Thiess
Committee approved a new six-year
Donor support that was at a low point in
Services International River Prize for
Navigation Programme, which will
the late 1990s is now at an all time high.
excellence in river basin management, in
implement a strategy agreed upon by the
Brisbane, Australia. This prize money was
four riparian members.
All four countries are active participants in
used to involve all children in the Mekong
ongoing liaison with donors and with the
Region in an art competition.
The Water Utilisation Programme (WUP)
upstream dialogue partners China and
saw the signing of two new procedures on
Myanmar.
In 2003, the MRC Fisheries programme
water use, completing its schedule of
with the support of Danida; and the
agreements on procedural rules and paving
In 2002, Cambodia hosted the Second
Department of Fisheries, Cambodia
the way for two upcoming technical
Symposium on Large Rivers for Fisheries
opened the Inland Fisheries Research
agreements on rules for water quality and
(LARS2), which launched the MRC onto
Development Institute in Phnom Penh.
quantity.
The Cambodian HQ saw many successes.
Meet the MRC 's new CEO
in Irrigation and Drainage (IPTRID) and
is not without risks. Equitable, sustainable
use of the river. An important objective
Executive Director of the IPTRID
and peaceful use of the Mekong waters can
would also be to continue to stimulate
Secretariat.
only be reached through increased dialogue concrete cooperation with the MRC's
Over my career in international
and cooperation between all countries that
dialogue partners China and Myanmar.
consultancy, project management, fund
share the river, who may have different
raising and policy development, I have
priorities and interests.
Q: T
The M
MRC ddraws iits sstaff ffrom m
many
worked in Africa, Asia and South America
countries aand m
many ddisciplines, w
what
with organisations including the European
Q: A
And w
what rrole ddo yyou tthink tthe M
MRCS
benefits ddo yyou ffeel tthis bbrings tto tthe
Commission, the Organisation for
can pplay iin m
meeting tthem?
region?
Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD), UNESCO, the World Bank and
The MRCS has an advisory role, both at
Maintaining the balance of the cultural and
the European Space Agency.
strategic and operational levels. It is an
technical diversity that is present within the
organisation at the service of its member
MRC requires respect for cultural
Q: W
What w
was iit aabout tthe pposition oof C
CEO
countries. The Secretariat can greatly
difference. Ultimately the goal of the MRC
n August 9, Dr Olivier Cogels took
O
at tthe M
MRC tthat aattracted yyou tto aapply ffor
facilitate cooperation and integrated
is to achieve a level of riparianisation that
over as Chief Executive Officer of
this pposition?
development in the river basin through
ensures long term sustainability, but it will
the Mekong River Commission. We
providing a number of services. One is the
always be to the MRC's advantage to
asked Dr Cogels to tell us a little about
I believe that this job offers the opportunity
delivery of accurate and reliable
continue to develop the expertise within the
himself and share some of his thoughts
to make a real impact on socio-economic
information to planners and policy-makers.
region whilst drawing from the best quality
on his new role
development and poverty reduction.
Another is to help countries to elaborate
experience available from around the
Q: F
Firstly ccould yyou ttell uus ssomething
Furthermore, for a water management
and implement sound development
globe. This will ensure continued growth
about yyour bbackground?
specialist, the possibility of contributing to
strategies. A third service is to provide
of the MRC and the region and provide a
sustainable development of one of the
technical advice on specific issues in the
highly creative approach to the design of
I am a Belgian citizen and studied at the
largest and most beautiful rivers in the
various sectors involved. Finally, the
solutions to the challenges that the region
Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium
world is, of course, very attractive.
Commission itself provides a platform for
will continue to face.
where I gained an MSc in Land and Water
dialogue and negotiation.
Engineering and a PhD in Hydrodynamics
Q: W
What ddo yyou ssee aas tthe bbiggest
Q: O
On aa ppersonal nnote, w
what iis iit tthat
and Water Resources Management. I also
challenges ffacing tthis rregion?
Q: W
What w
would yyou ssay aare yyour iinitial
appeals tto yyou aabout S
SE A
Asia aand w
what ddo
did a post-doctorate at the University of
goals?
you tthink yyou w
will eenjoy aabout yyour nnew
California, Davis.
The Mekong region still suffers from high
life iin V
Vientiane?
Following an academic career, I founded
levels of poverty, while its population
In the very short term, we will ensure that
my own remote sensing and GIS company
continues to grow fast. The main challenge
the Secretariat rapidly regains its full
I think one of the highlights of being in
and then served as the Resident
is to succeed in enabling socio-economic
operational status and effectiveness after its
Vientiane will be its proximity to the
Representative of the Belgian Technical
development in order to increase the
recent move from Phnom Penh to
Mekong River. I am looking forward to
Cooperation (BTC) in Senegal, before
welfare of tens of millions of people,
Vientiane. We will then focus on the
being able to observe its changing nature
joining the Food and Agriculture
without damaging the environment and
further implementation of the Basin
on a daily basis. Undoubtedly, I will enjoy
Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)
while facilitating good understanding and
Development Plan through a participatory
the friendliness and hospitality of the
in Rome 2002.
friendship between the countries. The
approach involving the National Mekong
people, the extraordinary beauty of the
Before accepting this new position I was
Mekong River offers real potential for the
Committees. I also see it as important to
landscapes and, last but not least, the
Programme Manager of the International
development of agriculture, fisheries,
continue to develop the necessary rules and
delicious food, which is one aspect of such
Programme on Technology and Research
energy production, navigation, etc, but this
procedures for equitable and sustainable
a rich culture.
Chinese data brings
early flood warning
Jim Holmes
Early warning of possible floods can help local people prepare to cope.
or the second year running daily water
Jinghong near the Lao border, are
Consultant Team Leader explained that the
the loggers are e-mailed to the MRC
F level figures from China are helping transmitting hydro-meteorological data
AusAID-funded AHNIP project started in
Secretariat at the end of each month,
MRC hydrologists monitor water levels
from Kunming Data Centre via telemetry
2001 and had established 18 monitoring
explains Technical Support Division
and provide the data to relevant regional
every day between June 15 and October
stations and five national data-handling
Programme Officer Thanongdeth
agencies so they can issue more timely
15. The centre will provide one 24-hourly
centres around the region as well as a
Insisiengmay.
flood warnings this wet season.
water level and two 12-hourly rainfall
regional data centre in the MRCS.
readings.
Mr Thanongdeth says that data are sent
But this year the stations will be generating
All these stations automatically read the
from the two stations to Kunming via
this information automatically, following
The idea behind this co-operation is to
water levels at the specified times and
PSTN (landline telephone) with satellite
an upgrade programme carried out as part
obtain early warning of potential floods
then transmit the data to the National
backup. The Kunming Data Centre then
of the AusAID-funded Appropriate
so those concerned can take action within
Data Centres and the MRC Secretariat
automatically transfers the data (using data
Hydrological Network Improvement
their local communities and avoid disaster.
by telemetry on a real time basis.
management software called HYDSYS)
Project (AHNIP) this year.
by e-mail to the MRCS. "Graphical
This data sharing agreement was
"Our job is to facilitate the gathering of
presentation will later be included in the
Work began early this year to bring all
formalised in March, 2003, when the
data then pass it on to those who can use it
automation process once a series of data
the stations up to top operational standards
MRCS and representatives from the
to act as an early warning system. As the
are collected," he added.
and by early June they were fully
Chinese government signed an Agreement
Chinese stations are upstream knowledge
commissioned and ready for the upcoming
to monitor water levels from the two
of changes in water level can give some
AHNIP is now building a new station 6km
wet season. Now the two hydrological
hydrological stations in China.
prior warning to those in the lower reaches
south of the China Lao PDR border at
stations at Manan, on the mainstream of
of the basin," Mr Clews said.
Houakhong, which will monitor the river
the Lancang and on a major tributary at
Peter Clews, AHNIP's Australian
Monthly data files downloaded from
immediately as it enters Lao PDR.
Study tour opens up new horizons
for basin development planners
inland waterways transport and light
Nam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.
industry. Issues examined included
The same people have continued wherever
pollution, reduced water flows, wastewater
possible and, as a consequence, the
treatment, future demands from tourism,
programme is seen as a great step in
flood protection control and salinity.
capacity building. Government officials
from the countries get to meet their
These training modules seek to develop the
counterparts who are directly involved in
understanding and skills of the BDP team
basin development planning, something
both at the MRC Secretariat and at the four
they rarely get the chance to do.
National Mekong Committee Secretariats.
The main objective of the Mekong Basin
The Basin Development Planning
Study tour was to help the participants
Programme is a participatory one and
from the four countries understand the
concentrates on stakeholder involvement;
planning and enhancing capacity. It aims to
examine different ecosystems in different
places and help national representatives to
see how important they are to the people
who live within the basin and cultivate that
understanding.
n May 2004 three representatives from
The team participants said they felt this trip
I each of the four member countries
achieved two very important things. They
joined MRC Basin Development Plan
gained a basin-wide perspective of the river
experts on the Mekong River Basin Study
and they also came to realise the difference
Tour - the fourth and final module in the
between life upstream and downstream.
basin development planning training
programme.
"We took government officials from
capital cities and brought them into village
The 11-day tour took the 12 participants
houses to talk to local people who depend
through Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and
on local resources, it was extremely
Viet Nam with the aim of introducing them
Tour participants take a break in one of the sites they visited in the countryside.
valuable for their understanding. Seeing
to the diversity the basin. The study tour
something for yourself is often ten times
was financed by the AusAID-funded
Lao PDR, where they looked at tourism,
important links between river basin
more useful than reading reports," Ms
MRC-Murray-Darling Basin Commission
agriculture, micro hydropower generation
communities and the river, in particular the
Juntopas said
Strategic Liaison Programme that
and fisheries production, while in Vientiane
importance of the social and economic
concludes in October this year.
they studied issues such as commercial and
development of the river as a whole.
During the tour, think tank sessions helped
industrial water use.
participants synthesise their ideas and there
It was a packed schedule, explained
It is hoped this will add a level of
was constructive discussion on a number
Muanpong Juntopas the Socio-Economist
In Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, they
understanding to the knowledge they apply
of regional planning issues.
of the MRC Basin Development Plan
examined irrigated agriculture and
to the planning of river development,
(BDP) team. "Our days stretched from 6am
aquaculture and the influence of the Pak
including issues such as decision-making
The BDP team sees this as a good omen
to 8pm and we travelled by plane, boat, bus
Mun dam. In Cambodia they gained an
processes, stakeholder involvement and
for the future. "If planners can sit together
and by foot as we visited many areas of the
overview of agriculture, navigation and
dealing with conflict.
and discuss sensitive issues it has to help
basin," she said.
cross border trade fisheries, and in Chau
improve the decision-making processes in
Doc, Viet Nam they focused on
Previous modules have involved the 12
each country through better understanding
The participants visited Luang Prabang,
aquaculture (including shrimp production)
participants in training sessions held in Viet
of each other's concerns," they said.
Award for Mekong River Awareness Kit
he Mekong River Commission
Manufacturer's and Exporter's Association. promote a better understanding of Mekong
we are also now using it as source material
TSecretariat (MRC) and Hatfield
River science issues, in an interactive and
for public education and awareness
Consultants Ltd were named as finalists for
Hatfield and the MRC received the runner-
user-friendly format.
programmes in Canada, working with
the 2004 Canadian Awards for
up designation for the Mark Drake Award
local NGOs," Dr Coates said.
International Cooperation last month. The
Recognising Excellence in
This format has proved to be a success
awards recognise achievements in
Communicating International Cooperation
with river professionals in the riparian
The project's original activities included
supporting sustainable development and
Issues for the project entitled Mekong
countries, and the kit has also been
the development of the Mekong River
social programmes to reduce poverty in
River Awareness Kit, which was
embraced by organisations like the
Awareness Kit interactive CD-ROM, a
developing countries.
developed under the Environmental
Convention on Biological Diversity in
project website, Internet Discussion Board,
Training Programme Block II of the
Montreal, Canada, a division of the United
a three-month self-study period, and a
Two government agencies sponsor the
Environment Programme of the MRC
Nations Environment Programme.
series of demonstration and evaluation
awards: the Canadian International
from January 2002 to February 2003.
workshops.
Development Agency and the Canadian
Dr David Coates Environmental Affairs
The River Awareness Kit itself is an
Officer, inland waters, at the Convention
The aim was to contribute to poverty
educational interactive teaching tool,
says he has distributed the kit widely
reduction through providing education,
designed to communicate environmental
amongst his colleagues and it was now
supporting improved environmental
awareness issues to the people of the
being accessed by the Parties to the
management, and promoting enhanced
Greater Mekong Region, and to help
Convention (187 countries plus the
governance as well as illustrating how
protect one of the great rivers of the world.
European Union). "It is a major reference
humans impact on sensitive ecosystems
Jim Holmes
The overall objective of the kit is to
source in our library here in Montreal and
around the world.
Wetland Biodiversity Programme
to run in four countries
he Mekong River Commission has
Environment Facility (GEF) through
policy making through the MRC Joint
the implications of losing these wetland
Tjoined forces with the World
UNDP, the Royal Netherlands
Committee and MRC Council.
resources.
Conservation Union (IUCN) and the
Government, the Mekong River
United Nations Development Programme
Commission and other donors. The
"Wetland research and preservation has
"We hope that the governments of these
(UNDP) to launch a new $30 million
programme will seek a further US$10
always been an integral part of MRC
regions will take these findings on board
programme to promote conservation and
million funding through aid agencies,
policy and we are acutely aware of the
and incorporate them in any wetland
sustainable use of the biodiversity of
NGOs and the private sector after it begins
balance that needs to be maintained
policies they have or are formulating, while
wetlands in the Lower Mekong Basin.
operation.
between societal and economic needs and
using the findings to ascertain how other
environmental requirements. This is our
developmental or agricultural activities will
Working in partnership with the
IUCN says it will collaborate with the
mandate and this is why the MRC is
impact on the wetlands," he said
Governments of Cambodia, Lao PDR,
riparian governments to implement
delighted to be a major partner in this
Thailand and Viet Nam as well as civil
conservation, biodiversity and community
programme," Dr Chumnarn told the guests
GEF is the executing agent of the whole
society organisations, NGOs and rural
management programmes through the
at the signing ceremony.
project through UNDP, while it is being
people, the Mekong River Basin Wetland
national offices and through four distinctly
implemented by IUCN and the MRC. The
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable
different demonstration sites in each
"We anticipate that the technical expertise
programme will employ a total of around
Use Programme (MWBP) is the first of its
country. Developing management
provided by our specialists and our formal
50 people with a regional management unit
kind to undertake a combination of
approaches and action plans, the
links to government, through the National
based in Vientiane, national offices in each
assessments, dialogues and pilot
programme will support planning at
Mekong Committees, the MRC Council
country and provincial offices serving the
interventions addressing a range of
community, provincial, national and
and the Joint Committee, will play a vital
four demonstration sites - in Stung Treng,
ecological, economic and social challenges
regional levels.
role in the success of this programme."
Cambodia; in Attapeu province, Lao PDR;
in the region.
in the Songkram river basin, Thailand; and
This experience and information generated
UNDP Programme Team Leader Mr
in the Plain of Reeds, Viet Nam.
At a signing ceremony held on July 19 in
will be fed into the Mekong River
Peter-John Meynell said the MWBP was
Vientiane the Governments were
Commission's Basin Development Plan
trying to bring the economic value of
Mr Meynell said operations would start
represented by HE Dr Ty Phommasack
and subsequently contribute to the
wetlands into the planning arena so those
immediately.
from Lao PDR, Deputy Minister of
development of agreements on water use.
who made plans for the basin understood
Agriculture and Forestry; HE Mr Suwit
Khunkitti, Thailand's Minister of Natural
In addition to specialist knowledge on
Resources and Environment and HE Mr
possible environmental, socio-economic
Chhann Sophan, Secretary of State for
impacts of potential changes in river flows,
Ministry of Environment, Cambodia;
the role of the MRC will provide a
together with UNDP Resident
mechanism for information exchange,
Representative Mr Finn Reske-Nielsen,
integration and mapping of socio-
MRCS Officer-in-Charge at the time
economic and biophysical resources to
Dr Chumnarn Pongsri and IUCN Regional
support planning and decision making in
Director for Asia Ms Aban Marker
the region.
Kabraji.
This will form a critical link bridging the
The bulk of the programme's funding
gap between grass-roots policy
(US$20 million) has come from the Global
implementation and the highest level of
Representatives from the four riparian governments, the MRC, UNDP and
IUCN after the signing ceremony in Vientiane
Cambodia: In Cambodia the site is at Stung Treng, It is
Lao P
PDR: In Lao PDR the site is in Attapeu province and
Viet N
Nam: The Plain of Reeds in Vietnam provides two
Thailand: The site at Songkram is is an area of intense use
the home of the Irrawaddy dolphin, the Siamese crocodile
consists of more than one distinct site. The province is
sites for the study. Tram Chim, is a national park and
of resources in terms of water and agriculture and this
and the location of many deep pools and flooded forests,
relatively untouched by industry and developed
home to the Sarus Crane, while Lang Sen has just been
puts pressure on the environment. It is also the only
which are vital for the spawning of large Mekong fish.
infrastructure and has a high level of biodiversity.
declared a provincial nature reserve.
tributary of the Mekong main stream with no major dam.
Taking the strain off the drains
he Mekong River Commission has
Many of the rivers, canals and drains in the
Vientiane as part of the then Mekong
by one week of country research. The main
Tentered a new partnership with the
two cities had been concreted in recent
Committee's wetland programme in
component of the programme is to do
European Commission's Asia Link
years, in an attempt to alleviate flooding
Thailand, Viet Nam and Lao PDR, "Dr
research together. We are taking a learning-
Programme and Universities from
problems, but this had affected the health
Lacoursiere explained.
by-doing approach to strengthening links
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, the UK
of the cities'wetlands, explained CityBlues
between problem-solving-based teaching,
and Sweden to find ways of improving
project coordinator Dr Jean Lacoursiere.
As part of the MRC's Environment
faculty research and practitioners needs."
stormwater management in two of the
Programme, the MRCS is implementing
capital cities in the region.
"Urban wetlands have special drainage
an Environmental Hazard Assessment
Representatives from the Lao National
needs. They provide a natural method of
activity focusing on the potential impact of
Mekong Committee Secretariat, the Asian
The new project, called CityBlues, was
purifying water. Concrete is quick, but not
the cities of Vientiane (Lao PDR) and
Development Bank, UNDP, King
launched on July 5 this year at the MRC
good for the environment, we need to find
Phnom Penh (Cambodia) on trans-
Mongkut's University of Technology, the
Secretariat's Vientiane headquarters with a
new ways to deal with stormwater
boundary water quality. MRC involvement
National University of Laos, the Living
Kick-Off workshop.
problems," he said. Because they had
is under the responsibility of Senior
Aquatic Resources Research Centre (Lao
sediment, bacteria, fungus and plants that
Environmental Advisor Dr Ian Campbell.
PDR) the Lao Institute of Urban Planning
Joining forces with city management
could remove toxins, wetlands were also
and the Vientiane Urban Development
authorities in Vientiane and Phnom Penh,
an efficient way of treating sewage as the
Dr Lacoursier said the main aim of the
Administration Authority (VUDAA)
the international partnership aims to
plants and sediment could be removed
project was to integrate engineering and
attended the kick-off function.
improve the water quality in the drainage
regularly taking the toxins with them.
environmental issues. "We hope to take
The project is co-financed by the European
network using an approach that combines
departments of engineering and
Union's Asia-Link Programme,
ecological and engineering principles.
"CityBlues will build on research we have
departments of biology and bring them
Kristianstad University in Sweden, and the
done previously over 7-10 years in
together in discussion workshops, followed
University of Sheffield in the UK.
Collaboration a great way to
support balanced development
ollowing the signing of a
led by the FAO. and a regional workshop
F Memorandum of Understanding in entitled "The Changing Face of Electricity
2003, the Mekong River Commission and
Markets in the Lower Mekong Countries",
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
organised by the MRC in collaboration
Living Mekong Initiative (LMI) have
with WWF and IUCN.
collaborated on several projects over the
past year and have agreed to increase their
The MRCS and WWF also joined forces
cooperation and enter into a partnership in
to develop and interactive mapping CD-
fields of common interest.
Rom for the Lower Mekong Basin. The
CD-Rom, People and the Environment
The LMI is part of the WWF's Living
Atlas of the Lower Mekong Basin,
Waters Programme, which is working on
packaged existing MRC core datasets and
the principles of integrated river basin
added additional environmental layers
management to achieve its objectives.
available to WWF networks.
LMI and MRC have developed specific
WWF, MRC and IHE-UNESCO
areas of collaboration including energy;
collaborated to develop and host a training
sustainable management of floodplains;
course on integrated river basin
engaging with China and Myanmar and
management in the Mekong basin for
development and exchange of information.
participants from the six Mekong Basin
Sharing environmental knowledge is a good way to help keep the river healthy.
countries.
In April and May this year the teams met
to review the work achieved in 2003, set
Ongoing collaboration will include The
future targets and milestones and plan for
Wetlands Ambassador Programme, which
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet
navigation, roads and wildlife trade.
the coming year.
was launched in May (see separate story)
Nam in July.
and the second annual Mekong Flood
"Since the MRC and WWF are committed
In 2003 the partnership achieved several
Forum to be held in Vientiane in
In a study now being undertaken by the
to sustainable development, partnerships
things explained Marc Goichot, WWF
November this year.
Environment Programme, sediment
are essential, building on the synergies of
LMI coordinator and focal point for the
samples from Cambodia, Viet Nam and
each organisation's strengths and our
MOU with MRC.
Over future months fisheries and
China are undergoing analysis for toxins to
shared vision of biodiversity conservation
environmental experts from the MRC will
help estimate the impact of dams on the
and sustainable development," Mr Goichot
To date, he said, collaboration had included
help provide data on such topics as the
river's health.This information will be
said.
the second international symposium on the
population, migration and spawning of the
shared with WWF as part of the agreement
"Thus it is considered mutually beneficial
management of large rivers for fisheries
giant Mekong catfish, the fate of the
focusing on water quality issues.
for the MRC and WWF and countries they
(LARS2), where WWF sponsored the
Irrawaddy dolphin and vital watersheds
serve in the Mekong Basin to develop
event, which was hosted by the
needing protection or restoration. Studies
Other areas where the two organisations
closer, more formal working
government of Cambodia, the MRC, and
on the latter started in four pilot sites in
have agreed to work together include
arrangements."
Student ambassadors unite to help
conserve water and wetlands
(WWF) China, WWF Indochina, WWF
course to help run their project.
The Mekong River Commission considers
International and WWF Thailand.
the Wetlands Ambassador Programme will
Upon completion of the studies, the
encourage young people to make a very
The students, who were selected in
Wetlands Ambassadors Committee will
valuable contribution to fostering a
late May-early June, will serve as
review the projects and judge the teams.
commitment to good management for
ambassadors by investigating and raising
The winning two teams will visit another
wetlands, according to Dr Hans Guttman,
the profile of important wetland issues at a
Mekong country to exchange ideas with
Coordinator Environment Programme,
local level and within the larger context of
overseas wetlands ambassadors. Second
MRC.
the region as a whole.
and third teams will receive cash and
publications.
"The Wetland Ambassador Pro-gramme's
This concept of thinking about rivers as an
Living River approach of integrated river
Mikkel Ostergaard Wildlife conservation is vital to the basin. entire system is the inspiration behind the
Among the projects students in the region
basin management and its principles of
theme for this year's campaign: "Living
will undertake is a study of Cambodian
information exchange, cross border and
welve teams of university students
River - From the Mountains to the Sea".
wetlands in four locations across the
inter-agency liaison and awareness raising
Tfrom Cambodia, China, Myanmar and
country, including the Kampi Pool in
are in line with the priorities of the MRC
Viet Nam have been selected as this year's
With support from the campaign partners,
Kratie province, one of the few remaining
and link strongly to our overall strategic
"wetland ambassadors" as part of the 2004
the ambassadors will collaborate with local
habitats of the Irrawaddy dolphin.
objectives for sustainable development of
Wetland Ambassador Action campaign for
NGOs, government agencies and media to
the Mekong River Basin and its related
the Mekong region.
raise awareness on various themes: from
And in Vietnam three teams of students
resources," he said.
species conservation and the cultural value
will ascertain the importance of wetlands
The 2004 Wetland Ambassador Action
of wetlands, to the effects of pollution,
to local people, raise awareness amongst
More information on the Wetland
campaign is a collaborative effort between
dams and irrigation projects on river
high school students of the role of
Ambassador Action campaign and the
Evian-Danone, the Mekong River
systems.
mangroves and investigate a site with a
teams involved in this campaign is
Commission (MRC), the Ramsar Bureau,
unique and remarkable biodiversity,
available from the website:
the State Forest Administration in China,
Each team has been provided with a grant
represented by the existence of endemic
http://www.wwfthai.org/home/ambassador
and the World Wide Fund for Nature
and will take part in a one-day training
and endangered species.
2004.htm
Low water, fishing pressure
take toll on Tonle Sap's
bagnet catches
his year the seasonal bagnet catch in
joined by larger adult fish, some of which
And in 2001-2, catches were much lower
mainly using small-mesh nylon gillnets.
TCambodia was the lowest on record, spawn.
than would be predicted from flood level
Observations earlier this year showed
falling to 6,550 tonnes or 47 percent down
alone. The 2003-4 catch is the lowest ever
many fish tagged and released from the
on last season's figures. However, while
Water levels begin to fall in October and
recorded, and far lower than might be
most downstream bagnets were
low water levels are partly to blame,
the Tonle Sap starts to flow back to the
predicted based on flood-levels alone.
immediately caught by gillnets.
writers in the latest issue of the MRC's
Mekong. Fish are forced to follow the
Catch and Culture, say the catch has now
receding waters back into watercourses,
The flood peaks in the Tonle Sap occur
Other features of catches which are
declined for three years in a row, indicating
and eventually migrate en masse down the
over a very narrow time slot each year and
consistent with overfishing are continuing
increased fishing pressure from.
Tonle Sap. The largest migrations are in
the flood is predictable to within about two
declines in both larger species and the
January and February, and this is when
weeks. As well as the relatively consistent
average size of the dominant small fishes.
The bagnets, or dai in Khmer, are similar
fishing activity of all kinds is intense. Peak
timing of the flood, annual variations in
to trawl nets and are suspended in one
catches mainly comprise small cyprinids
flood height are very small compared to
So the dai catches in recent years can be
location to filter the current. They mainly
known as trey riel.
some other large tropical rivers.
partly explained by high fishing pressure.
work on the Tonle Sap (river), which flows
Either some of the fish normally caught by
from the Great Lake. Each net is about
The yield from flood plain fisheries is
In 2003 there was a very narrow flood
bagnets are being caught by others
25m wide and about 120m long, extending
mainly determined by flooding. A larger
peak, indicating a short duration flood.
(including those competing with different
a few metres to the bed of the river.
flood creates more habitat and food, so, all
This would have contributed to the low dai
types of gears) or total catches are falling.
Normally several nets are set across the
other factors being equal, fish production
catch in 2003-2004, but there is no overall
river in a row and for the latest season,
should be higher. If the fishery is based
pattern, such as a series of low
A fall in total catches is of great concern
there were 64 nets in 14 rows.
on young fish spawned in the same year,
or short floods, which would explain
as it signifies overfishing, generally
the best correlation is with the flood height
the declining catches over the past
defined as catches falling below optimum
During the wet season rising Mekong
in the same year.
few years.
levels. Scientists are traditionally reluctant
waters flow "up" the system towards the
to confirm any phenomenon without proof,
Great Lake, flooding the surrounding
The Tonle Sap fishery comprises mainly
Fishing pressure is continually increasing
but the writers say we should not wait
plains and wetlands. The floodwaters bring
small fish spawned in the same year.
along the Tonle Sap and in the Great Lake.
until the fishery collapses to bring in
millions of fry, the progeny of fish, which
However data shows that after the 1998
Each year there are more fishers and gears,
effective management measures.
have spawned upstream in the Mekong
drought catches did not reach levels that
both legal and illegal. There are now tens
and its tributaries. The small fish feed and
might be expected based on the pre-1998
of thousands of small-scale fishers
Catch & Culture is a publication of the
grow rapidly in the flooded areas and are
data, suggesting some lag in the recovery.
operating in the peak season and they are
MRC Fisheries Programme
L a t e s t i n f o r m a t i o n p r o d u c t s
The People's Highway: Past
Distribution and Ecology of
An Introduction to Cambodia's
Catch & Culture newsletter
Present and Future Transport on Some Important Riverine Fish
Inland Fisheries
the Mekong River System
Species of the Mekong River
Basin
The Mekong River has
This new report compl-
The fisheries of Cambodia
Print editions of the
always been a working
ements an earlier report
are the mainstay of the
MRC's thrice yearly
river. Through centuries
on fish migrations and
country, providing income
newsletter on fisheries are
people and goods have
provides more detailed
and food security for
now available. The
moved along this wide
information of 40 key
millions of people. This
newsletter may also be
brown highway that pre-
species which are
report draws on varied
viewed and downloaded
ceded roads. Today there is increased talk
significant in the Mekong
data to document the
from the website.
of the Mekong as an inland waterway
River fishery. For each species it provides
current state of the fisheries, while
corridor linking the region.
notes on critical habitats, distribution and
examining their significance and the
2004. Free. Postage costs apply
The discussion in this report aims to
life cycle. The information has been
problems they face for future
Technical data maps are available
provide some context to the broader
gleaned from surveys carried out
sustainability.
from the Documentation Centre.
current public discussion of the current
throughout the lower Mekong Basin from
issues relating to navigation and its
1995-2001 by fisheries agencies in each
Mekong Development Series No4, July
potential to improve livelihoods for some
country, coordinated by the MRC fisheries
2004. US$5.
of the poorest people of this region.
programme and funded by Danida.
Mekong Development Series No3, April
MRC Technical Paper No 10, May 2004.
2004. US$5.
$US5.
How to order
Contact
All products can be ordered from the MRC Secretariat's Documentation Centre.
Documentation Centre
Postage costs apply. Mekong region government agencies may write to the
Mekong River Commission Secretariat
MRC to obtain free copies.
P.O. Box 6101, 184 Fa Ngoum Road, Unit 18, Ban Sithane Neua,
Sikhottabong District, Vientiane 01000, Lao PDR
Check the MRC website for a full list of products. Credit card sales are also
Phone: (856 21) 263 263 ext: 1122 Fax: (856 21) 263 264
available through the website.
Email: doc.centre@mrcmekong.org Website: www.mrcmekong.org
Art contest draws in young talent
he "Our Mekong, Our Future" art
"We were delighted with both the number
schools also received some art materials.
Although the competition is now over, the
Tcontest organised earlier this year was and the high standard of entries from the Every child who entered the contest was children's images will be used in future
voted a big success by both the Mekong
children," Dr Tu said. "The range of topics
presented with a special contest T-shirt.
MRC publications and displays.
River Commission Secretariat and the
covered in the pictures reflected their
partners who helped support it.
present lifestyles and their hopes for a
future where their river is protected so it
Nearly 2,000 young people from the four
can continue to provide their families with
Lower Mekong Basin countries of
improved livelihoods."
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet
Nam took part in the contest, which was
Dr Tu said the young people of today had a
open to children between the ages of 9 and
valuable role to play both in ensuring the
15 years old. Prizes were awarded in five
balanced development of the river and
age categories. The 20 winners were then
maintaining the good relationships, which
judged again to select the five top entries
had been established with our Mekong
for the whole region.
neighbours.
MRC Officer-in-Charge at that time Dr
A panel of judges from the four member
Dao Trong Tu announced the winners at a
countries of the Mekong River
special function held in Phnom Penh,
Commission selected the winners. The best
Cambodia, in April. Subsequently, award
entry in each age group in each country
ceremonies, celebrations and exhibitions of
received a cash prize of US$50, art
Chhoy Pisei
the entries have been held at schools in Lao materials and a book about the Mekong.
PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam.
The artists whose entries were judged best
The 20 winning entries will have their final
in the region received an additional cash
Dr Dao Trong Tu and the panel of judges congratulate the winners at the
home in the new Secretariat building in
prize of US$100, art materials and a
announcement ceremony in Phnom Penh.
Below, from left: Winning students from Cambodia, Vietnam and Lao PDR all had a
Vientiane.
celebration at their school. The winner's
chance to share in the fun of a school celebration.
The contest, which was organised with the
co-operation of the four National Mekong
Committees, IUCN and the World Wide
Fund for Nature (WWF), aimed to get the
children of the river basin thinking about
what the Mekong meant to them and what
they would like to see happen to it in the
future. Funding for the competition came
from the Thiess International Riverprize,
which was awarded to the Mekong River
Commission in 2002.
Workshops and events
20th M
Meeting oof tthe M
MRC JJoint C
Committee
Community-bbased IIntegrated W
Watershed M
Management
24-25 August
8-26 November 2004
Dialogue M
Meeting
This course offers a new approach for integrating technologies and
26 August
participatory strategies within the natural landscape or "watershed" for
Inauguration oof tthe M
MRC SSecretariat
resource conservation, production and sustainable use.
27 August
Contact IIRR Education&Training@iirr.org or see www.iirr.org
Informal D
Donor M
Meeting
All to be held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
IUCN W
World C
Conservation C
Congress
Contact Thuy Long Thu. (856 21) 263 263 ext: 4104
17-25 November
Bangkok, Thailand
www.iucn.org/congress
Mekong R
Rice C
Conference
15-17 October
2nd A
Annual M
Mekong F
Flood F
Forum
Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet
16-17 November
Nam in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute.
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
Contact Bun Veasna (856 21) 263 263 ext: 4040
Email: buibabong@hn.vnn.vn or see www.agroviet.gov.vn
Seventh A
Asian F
Fisheries F
Forum: N
New D
Dimensions aand C
Challenges iin
Ninth IInternational SSymposium oon R
River SSedimentation
Fisheries iin tthe 221st C
Century
18-21 October 2004
29 November - 3 December 2004
Yichang, China
Hotel Equatorial, Penang, Malaysia
www.irtces.org/isshhu/9ISRS.htm
Contact Chris Barlow (856 21) 263 263 ext: 4060
Advances iin IIntegrated M
Mekong R
River M
Management
25-27 October
Mekong News is published quarterly by the Mekong River Commission
International conference dealing with basin-scale hydrological modelling,
Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Please send comments, queries and ideas to:
Communications Officer,
water use and water environments and flood management.
Office of the CEO, MRC Secretariat, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane. Lao PDR
Phone: (856-21) 263 263 ext. 1122 Fax: (856-21) 263 264
Contact: Yukiko Hirabayshi. email: rr-conf-lao@serv2.cee.yamanashi.ac.jp
Email: virginia@mrcmekong.org