15th Anniversary 5 April 1995 5 April 2010 The First Mekong River Commission Summit 2010 The Mekong Basin as a source of economic prosperity The water resources of the 795,000 square kilometer Mekong Basin underpin the economic development of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam; the four countries that make up the Mekong River Commission; plus its two Dialogue Partners; China and Myanmar. All of these governments have indicated a desire to supplement the already considerable natural resource benefits that the river provides by using the Mekong Basin as part of their economic development strategy. There are enormous potential benefits for any country that seeks to develop the river, but development comes with potential challenges and has implied trans boundary impacts, for both upstream and downstream countries. The opportunities for using the Mekong have never been higher, which is why this is the right time for a Summit where the Governments will demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development in the Mekong Basin for the benefit of all Member Countries. Encouraged by the MRC achievements since the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin of 5 April 1995, and contemplating the new challenges and opportunities arising to strengthen cooperation for sustainable development of Mekong Basin, the Summit is timely being conveyed to reaffirm political commitment to continue the implementation the 1995 Mekong. The changing face of the Mekong It is the job of the Mekong River Commission to bring together the riparian countries in the spirit of Mekong Cooperation to face these trans boundary challenges and ensure that the water resources of the Basin are developed and managed in a sustainable manner. This has been recognised at the highest level in all Member Countries. The Mekong Agreement was signed in 1995. Since then, the economic, social and political profiles of all riparian countries have progressed rapidly. Economic growth has continued at around five to seven percent across the region; there is a general trend towards more open societies; countries in the region are encouraging private sector development; ASEAN and other
regional agreements have brought increased levels of trans boundary cooperation, both between the Member Countries of the MRC, and with Dialogue Partners China and Myanmar; and the civil society stakeholders of the region are beginning to demand a more prominent voice in the management of natural resources and especially action on climate change. Against this background, the Prime Ministers of the governments of Member Countries of the Mekong River Commission will convene the First Mekong River Commission s Summit also inviting high level delegations from Myanmar and China; as well as representatives of regional bodies and other governments. The Summit would be convened tentatively on 4 and 5 April 2010 in Khon Kaen, Thailand, the country of the current Chair of the MRC Council. What will the Summit aim to achieve? The Summit is a chance for the countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Viet Nam and Dialogue Partners China and Myanmar to demonstrate their commitment to cooperating for the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin. As the 15 th anniversary of the signing of the 1995 Mekong Agreement approaches, it is time to discuss how the spirit of Mekong Cooperation can adapt to this changing environment; confirm the commitment of Member Countries to sustainable development and to the principles of Integrated Water Resource Management agreed to by all nations at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002; and celebrate the achievements of the MRC over the last one and a half decades. Most importantly, it will also be an opportunity to get climate change to feature more prominently on the regional agenda. This can be only achieved with the commitment, support and encouragement of the highest political levels of the Member States reflected at a Summit and the guidance it provides to MRC in implementing the Mekong Agreement. Summit Objectives The Summit aims to: Reaffirm at the highest level the political commitment of Member Countries to the successful implementation of the Mekong Agreement and the continued relevance of the MRC in the changing development context; Provide a vision for the organization for the next 15 20 years; Strengthen MRC s working relationship with China and Myanmar (note: China is prepared to send a high level delegation to the Summit to meet Prime Ministers from the region); Increase cooperation between the MRC and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS); Increase cooperation between the MRC, the Asian Development Bank (ADB;) the World Bank and other Development Partners; and Increased cooperation between the MRC and ASEAN.
Key Outputs of the Summit Some of the concrete outputs of the Summit will include: A Declaration from the four Member Countries that demonstrates how the challenges faced in the Mekong Basin can be addressed such as using the river to reduce poverty; realising sustainable energy development; adapting to climate change; and incorporating trans boundary and cumulative effects, as well as a resolution to strengthen ownership of the MRC; affirming the long term core functions of MRC and commitment to the IWRM based Basin Development Strategy; and to work together for the mutual benefit of the basin; An agreed Ministerial level statement with the Dialogue Partners on future cooperation under the banner of MRC+2 ; Launch of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ASEAN Secretariat and the MRC Secretariat; A joint statement on cooperation prepared by the ADB and the MRC Secretariat and covering cooperation under GMS; A statement of support for the future strategic direction of the MRC from its Development Partners; and Conclusions and recommendations of topical issues from a International Conference that precedes the Summit. The Summit Format The Summit will be a full day event following a Special Session of the Council devoted to the finalization of the Khon Kaen Declaration: Opening Ceremony (1 h) Celebration of 15 years of Mekong cooperation; An opening speech by the host country s Prime Minister; Photo Session Retreat on Meeting the Needs, Keeping the Balance: Towards Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin. Each Member Country will propose specific topics under this theme. (Agenda to be proposed by Thailand) (1h) Remark by the Chair A brief report from the Technical Segments by the MRC Council Chair Discussion of specific topics Exchange of views Approval of the Khon Kaen Declaration Closing Remark by the Chair Plenary Session (1 h) Statements of the four Member Countries, Dialogue Partners and Development Partners; Adoption of the Khon Kaen Declaration and Action Plan delivered by the host country
A wrap up press conference hosted by the MRC Council Chair, JC Chair, representatives of other member Countries and MRCS. The Prime Minister s Summit will be preceded by a two day Technical Segment, which will involve Mekong government officials, regional and bilateral partners, academia, civil society and the private sector and report to the Prime Minister s Summit on a number of river related issues. The Mekong Basin and sustainable economic development how the Summit can play a part Adapting to Climate Change Like many developing regions, the Mekong River Basin stands to suffer disproportionately from climate change compared to developed countries, due to a higher proportion of people living in risk prone areas with a subsistence lifestyle and less funding for mitigation measures. Although no one knows exactly how rising world temperatures will impact on the Basin, there is general agreement that the impact is likely to intensify current challenges. Changes in rainfall patterns will affect river flow and make drought and flood more likely. Rising sea levels are predicted to have a significant impact on agriculture in the Delta. The time is now to reaffirm country commitments to addressing climate change in a coordinated and Basin wide manner. This already began with the July 2009 ASEAN meeting in Phuket recommitting regional countries to work on the climate change agenda. The Summit will be a new opportunity to engage on this important issue. The Summit will follow the December 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen and will be an excellent opportunity for riparian countries to express joint efforts in putting forward specific directions for climate change adaptation for the trans boundary Mekong river Basin in line with the outlook for Basin development over coming decades. Productive Fisheries The Mekong Fishery is the largest inland fishery in the world, estimated to be worth at least US$ 2 billion annually, and providing the major protein source for many people in the Basin. Fishing could be under threat from current and potential hydropower schemes, over fishing and pollution, all of which could have an impact on regional food security and a significant local industry. The Summit will allow Member Countries to reconfirm their commitment to using the river system and water resources as a means for sustainable poverty alleviation, promoting food security and providing necessary conditions to stimulate people s livelihoods. Sustainable Hydropower The MRC has estimated that the potential for hydropower development in the Lower Basin is more than 30,000 MW. Only about five percent of this potential has been realized so far and private sector interest in hydropower development in the Mekong Basin has never been higher. As a renewable, climate friendly energy source, hydropower has the potential to generate large amounts of revenue for use in poverty alleviation. Experience from elsewhere indicates
that dams can have trans boundary impacts, such as causing changes in downstream flow regimes, water quality and sedimentation, with consequences for wetland areas, reduced fisheries and increased risk of bank erosion. The Summit will confirm riparian countries commitment to adopt best practices and continue to work closely together on developing sustainable hydropower solutions to their energy needs. Agricultural Livelihoods Agriculture is currently the most dominant water related sector, both for subsistence agriculture in all Member Countries and for export, particularly in Thailand and Viet Nam where it generates billions of dollars of revenue. Expansion of the present level of agriculture is limited by the availability of water in the dry season, with only about two percent of the average annual flow going to this sector. There is much potential for increasing water storage and irrigation systems but this brings a number of trans boundary water use and water allocation issues to the fore. The Summit will be an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to Integrated Water Resource Management and re evaluate issues related to trans boundary water use, based on the additional availability of water in the dry season as a result of infrastructure projects being built upstream. Navigation and trade More than one third of the riverside populations of Cambodia and Lao PDR live more than 10 km away from reliable road access. The Mekong and its tributaries are vital links for transport, development and commerce in the region, both internationally and locally, linking the countries of the Basin to each other and the world. As with recent initiatives to improve regional road connectivity, freeing up trade and increasing the flow of goods and people between Basin countries along the Mekong River corridor is key to improving economic development. The Summit will recognise that increased regional cooperation, especially through such organisations as ASEAN and the GMS, is key to not only protecting the river, but also using it for economic gain. Navigation is an obvious area where results have already been achieved. Biodiversity Conservation of Cultural Significance The biodiversity and productivity of the Mekong Basin is in large part represented by its wetlands, marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes and flood plains, not least of which; the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Seasonal flooding in the Basin is essential for aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, forestry, minimizing salt water intrusion, the delta and the general sustainability of the river system. It is one of the most diverse river systems in the world and has a number of culturally important species. However, this is under threat from climate change and economic growth. The Summit will provide a platform for promoting the sustainable use of the river Basin and water resources that recognizes the value of the aquatic diversity.
Communication Opportunities Media Releases A series of press releases and public information products will be launched in advance of the Summit to draw attention and interest in the Summit. They will portray the MRC activities and issues raised by discussions closer to the main event. MRC Exhibition The MRC will develop a multi media exhibition that will highlight the activities of the organization, as well as issues relating to the Mekong Basin and water resource management. As well as increasing general awareness amongst the public, this will also act as a resource to help supplement the information presented to interested media present. Side events A series of side events to the main Summit will be facilitated. These could include (to be decided) opportunities for individual governments or organizations to meet, collegial discussions to take place, and meetings and exchanges on technical topics, such as experiences in water resource management and river basin organizations; presentations on flood forecasting or modeling of future development scenarios, etc. These side events may also generate supplementary media opportunities.