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    Basin Planning

    The governments of the lower Mekong countries recognise the economic potential of the Mekong River’s water resources to contribute to growth, poverty reduction and livelihoods. The countries have developed poverty reduction strategies that include water supply for people’s daily use as well as irrigation, flood attenuation, energy production and fisheries. Plans for future development initiatives, which include expanding hydropower and irrigation production and increasing tourism, are ambitious and will increase demands on the river’s resources.

    Without appropriate planning and management, development can have negative impacts on the health of the river, including increased pollution, floodplain alteration and habitat destruction. Basin plans set objectives and measures for optimal and sustainable development of the basin’s resources, while proposing mechanisms to offset the adverse impacts.

    The practice of basin planning in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB) has a long history dating back to 1957, when the Mekong River Commission (MRC) began life as the Mekong Committee, under the broader framework of the UN. Initial cooperation focused extensively on data collection and on studies on agriculture, fisheries, navigation and education. In 1970, the Indicative Basin Plan (IBP) was prepared by the Mekong Committee, proposing a 30-year development programme to expand irrigation, navigation, hydropower and flood control infrastructure. The IBP included some 180 projects, including a US$2 billion short-term programme for 700,000 ha of irrigation expansion and tributary hydropower development as well as a US$10 billion long-term programme comprising a cascade of mainstream dams. In 1987, this plan was downscaled to 29 projects by the Interim Mekong Committee. Due to regional military conflicts, much of the Indicative Basin Plan was not implemented.

    In 1994, France’s Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) led a study for the Interim Mekong Committee called the 1994 Mekong Mainstream Run of River Hydropower. This study introduced a major shift away from storage to run of river dams on the mainstream and was influential for development planning in the countries.

    Growing investments in water infrastructure projects in the 1990s brought about recognition of the likely social and environmental impacts of development. In response to the concern and after Cambodia emerged from internal conflicts, the four lower Mekong countries – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam – reached an agreement to cooperate for the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin (the 1995 Mekong Agreement), leading to the establishment of the MRC, which opened a new era for planning in the LMB using a coordinated approach.

    The approach is commonly referred to as integrated water resources management (IWRM), which focuses on water management in the basin and at transboundary and cross-sector levels. The approach takes into account the economic significance of water resources, and the environmental and social importance of water. The approach also acknowledges the participation of a wide range of groups in contributing to decision-making and attempts to manage trade-offs between competing interests and values.

    The MRC’s Approach to Basin Planning

    Water resource management in the LMB is a mix of a ‘cooperative and coordinating model’ at the basin scale, facilitated through the MRC Secretariat, and four national models, where individual sovereignty, customs and administrative systems dominate.

    The MRC acts as an “honest broker” and regional platform for cooperation to assist the Member Countries in achieving their basin-scale and national aims through the provision of shared information, technical guidance and facilitation.

    The 1995 Mekong Agreement tasked the MRC to form a Basin Development Plan (BDP) to identify, categorise and prioritise projects and programmes at the basin level. The MRC set up a BDP Programme to lay down principles, tools, capacities, studies and strategic direction. The first phase of the BDP Programme (BDP1), from 2001 to 2006, laid the foundations for cooperative planning, bringing the four Member Countries together to build relationships and develop planning processes, assessment tools and a knowledge base.

    The BDP Programme 2007-2010 (BDP2) was implemented while the Mekong River Basin was undergoing significant change, driven by global, regional and national developments. Increased pressures from water resources developments in the basin demanded a basin perspective of national water resources development plans and their cumulative impacts. Therefore, the BDP2 focused on transboundary water opportunities and issues to remove longstanding barriers to realising opportunities for sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin, while recognising data and knowledge limitations.

    By 2010, the BDP2 had produced sufficient data and information for the Member Countries to develop and evaluate their water related interests, development options and positions, individually and collectively. The BDP’s assessment of basin-wide development scenarios was used for the development of the IWRM-based Basin Development Strategy (BDS) that further promotes collaboration between the Member Countries to ensure sustainable development and management of the Mekong River Basin.

    The first BDS 2011-2015 represented an important milestone in the history of Mekong cooperation. It represented a revised role and focus for the MRC Secretariat, moving it from a focus on acquisition of knowledge and best practice in water management to include a sharp focus on how the Mekong Countries share, utilise, manage and conserve the Mekong’s resources for economic growth and poverty reduction. From 2011-2015, the BDP Programme (BDP3) coordinated the implementation of the first BDS, and the preparation of the second BDS 2016-2020, the National Indicative Plans of the Member Countries for 2011-2015 and for 2016-2020, and the MRC Indicator Framework for planning, assessing and reporting. It also initiated the preparation of the State of Basin Report and supported the implementation of the MRC Procedures especially PMFM and PNPCA.

    The Basin Development Strategy 2016-2020 continued relevant priorities of the first BDS, focusing on sustainable development in the LMB and managing risks of adverse impacts of national plans and projects. 

    Unlike the previous editions with a timeframe of five years, the BDS 2021-2030 is prepared for a ten-year period and gives greater emphasis on actions needed for the entire Mekong River Basin, as the current water security issues can be addressed effectively only at the basin scale through cooperation between all six basin countries and their cooperative bodies.

    The Strategy moves beyond water resources planning to encompass operational management, including the transboundary coordination of operations of dams and other water infrastructure. Additionally, it integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to water resources management and internalises a ‘gender and vulnerability’ approach to account for intersectional inequity and the different dimensions of vulnerability.

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    © 2024 Mekong River Commission

    Dr. An Pich Hatda

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Hatda, a Cambodian national, was appointed as the 2nd riparian CEO of the MRCS.   

    Dr. An is an accomplished leader with a great mix of leadership, inspiration, operational experience, technical breadth, and passion for a better Mekong, a track record of achievements having held various high-profile positions with Mekong related bodies over the past 20 years. ”

    Before taking the office as CEO Dr. Hatda served as director of Planning Division at the secretariat, where he led a multi-disciplinary team of different nationalities and expertise to deliver strategic outputs to the MRC’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020. He successfully completed the Prior Consultation process and Joint Action Plan for the Pak Beng hydropower project which gained him of trust from the first riparian CEO for being strategic, structured, results-oriented and neutral team player and leader.

    Prior to that, He worked as Operation Manager with the Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Center and National Specialist with the Basin Development Plan Program. He also served as Deputy Secretary General for 6 years at the Cambodia National Mekong Committee and Alternate JC Member for Cambodia. 

    Dr. Hatda holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Tokyo, Japan, and a Master of Science in Agricultural Planning and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. He obtains a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia. 

    Hatda

    Mr. Pham Tuan Phan

    First Riparian Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat

    “From 2016 to 2019, Mr. Pham, a Vietnamese national and Mekong citizen, was appointed the CEO of the MRCS.  

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, Mr. Pham served as the CEO of a software development company in Vietnam for eight years, during which he expanded the company from a one-person operation to employing over 40 individuals. ”

    Prior to that, he held senior positions at Vietnam’s largest information technology company for three years. Preceding his time in Vietnam, from 2001 to 2004, Mr. Pham worked at the United Nations (UN) Secretariat in New York, USA, within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. During his four-year stint, he conducted numerous missions to UN member states, focusing on economic and social affairs. Notably, he spearheaded the implementation of the Integrated Management Information System service in 2000, which facilitated the deployment of the Enterprise Resource Planning system across the entire UN network worldwide. 

    Before his UN tenure, Mr. Pham led the infrastructure and communications section at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, Austria, from 1997 to 2000. His efforts led to the establishment of a groundbreaking global communications network, enabling the collection of monitoring data from 321 stations worldwide, including 13 in China. This network, initiated with a US$78-million contract, remains operational to this day. Mr. Pham’s career trajectory began with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) junior professional program in 1984, culminating in his rise to a directorial position at the UN in 2000. Notably, both the IAEA and the UN Secretariat received Nobel Prizes during Mr. Pham’s tenure, with the IAEA being recognized as one of the best-run UN organizations. 

    Educationally, Mr. Pham holds a degree in nuclear instrumentation from Belarus State University, former Soviet Union, earned in 1982. He also completed core courses for a Master of Business Administration from the UK Open University at Milton Keynes in 2000

    Mr. Hans Joakim GUTTMAN

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Hans, a Swedish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    With his expertise as coordinator/manager and rich experience with over 18 years in the field of water resources development and management for sustainable rural development. He is no stranger to the MRC or its vision, having served as the head of the Environment Programme for six years from 2001-2007. His extensive technical expertise and inside knowledge gained from living in the region for almost two decades enabled him to lead the MRC during a period of change and growth within the MRC.”

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Hans held the position of Coordinator for the Wetlands Alliance (WA) Programme at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, where he led the strategic development by securing funding for WA, and guided nearly 50 local government agencies and NGOs. He ensured these agencies received implementation support and contributed to the broader goals of the Alliance. Prior to that, he served as the Head of the Environmental Programme at the MRC Secretariat for six years, from 2001 to 2007. There, he oversaw a US$2 million annual budget for the programme, coordinated with National Mekong Committees (NMCs) and other relevant national agencies, and advised senior management on environmental matters while representing the MRC in these areas. 

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC, he served as a Programme Specialist at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he managed rice field fisheries and other aquatic resource issues in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He raised awareness about the importance of these resources, built capacity to manage them, and developed strategies for sustainable use. 

    Before this, he was a Special Advisor at Tha-Ngone Aquaculture Development (TAD) in Vientiane, Laos. He assisted the manager in running a fish farm with over 30 employees, by planning, training, and managing fish and prawn production. He also helped improve the administrative section’s work. 

    Academically, Mr. Hans holds a Master of Science in Aquaculture from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he was recognized for his thesis specialization in water quality, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology/Geography from James Cook University in North Queensland, Australia. 

    Mr. Jeremy Douglas BIRD

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Jeremy, a British national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Jeremy combines his experience at the strategy and policy level with a solid practical background across multiple facets of water resources, including regulatory processes, conceptual design of water resources infrastructure, river basin management, irrigation, disaster risk management, knowledge generation, development finance, and stakeholder engagement.”

    Mr. Jeremy’s tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat was marked by significant responsibilities and accomplishments, such as developing an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Strategy for the Basin and organizing the First MRC Summit of Prime Ministers in 2010, which raised the profile of the MRC and provided a high level of oversight for its activities. He also developed closer relations with China, formulated the MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative, and represented the MRC at numerous international conferences and meetings. His successful negotiations among member countries resulted in a permanent location for the Secretariat and administrative arrangements for establishing a co-hosted headquarters. Mr. Jeremy’s tenure saw the implementation of institutional and administrative reforms and a new direction for the 5-year strategy for the MRC, focusing on the core functions of river basin management. 

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Jeremy worked as an Independent Water Resources Advisor from 2003 to 2008, providing consulting services on water resources management to various organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. 

    Prior to that, he served as a Coordinator and Team Leader for the Dams and Development Project (DDP) at the United Nations Environment Programme, which aimed to promote dialogue for improved decision-making in water resources infrastructure. He coordinated national multi-stakeholder processes to identify priority issues for policy reform in South Africa, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam, involving numerous stakeholders. Moreover, he expanded their stakeholder forum to include over 100 diverse organizations, initiated dialogue with Chinese agencies, and organized international meetings.

    Mr. Kristensen Joern

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Kristensen, a Danish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, he served as a Senior Programme Manager for the Eastern Europe, South and Eastern Asia, and the Pacific Operations Branch at UNDCP HQ in Vienna, Austria. In this role, he led efforts to secure EU funding, established a partnership between UNDCP and the EU for major drug-law enforcement in Southeastern Europe, and engaged in strategic planning for the elimination of opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar.  Educationally, Mr. Kistensen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from the University of Odense, Denmark, which he obtained in 1972. He also pursued postgraduate courses in Administration and Human Resources Management at the Institute of Public Management in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1984. ”

    Prior to that, he held the role of Country Director for UNDCP in two challenging environments: Vietnam from 1994 to 1997 and Myanmar from 1991 to 1994. In this role, he developed comprehensive drug control policies, facilitated cooperation among UN agencies, and raised significant funds – between US$6,000,000 and $7,000,000 – for key projects. 

    Before this, he was the Regional Director for the Danish Refugee Council in Denmark. He was entrusted with the reception, resettlement, and social integration of refugees (500 to 800 persons at any given time). He managed around 60 staff members and built extensive liaisons and cooperation with various groups. 

    Dr. Olivier Cogels

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2004 to 2007, Dr. Cogels, a Belgian national, served as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. Dr. Cogels‘ tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat led the organization to substantial progress. He guided the MRC toward becoming an international river basin organization focused on developing its water resources for the economic benefit of the people and countries involved. This approach fostered improved cooperation with China and enhanced the MRC’s influence in the region. Under his leadership, the MRCS developed a more coordinated program structure, formulated an ambitious strategic plan, and introduced the concept of the Mekong Programme to the region – a development program owned by the member countries, which bolstered the MRC’s involvement with other regional initiatives.  ”

    Before assuming the role of CEO at the MRC, Dr. Cogels held the position of Programme Director of the International Program on Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage at the Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome, Italy. 

    Prior to that, he had worked with organizations such as the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNESCO, the World Bank, and the European Space Agency. 

    Educationally, Dr. Cogels holds a Master of Science in Land and Water Engineering and a PhD in Hydrodynamics and Water Resources Management from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, where he also served as a Professor. He also completed a post-doctorate at the University of California, Davis. 

    Mr. Yasunobu Matoba

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Yasunobu Matoba, a Japanese national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Yasunobu has an extensive career in agricultural and irrigation with various roles ranging from project planning, implementation, and supervision to personnel administration. He has worked in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. ”

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC Secretariat, he held the position of Director at the Construction Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), where he oversaw various agricultural projects, including those for agricultural production, land and water resource conservation, and the maintenance of water and land use facilities. 

    Before that, he held several key positions, including Director of the Overseas Operations Department at the Japan Agricultural Land Development Agency (JALDA) in 1992-1993, Director of the Planning

    Department at the Hokuriku Regional Agricultural Administration Bureau from 1990 to 1992, and Deputy Director in the Agricultural Administration Department of Kumamoto Prefecture from 1988 to 1990, where he managed land improvement projects. 

    In terms of education, Yasunobu holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in irrigation, drainage, and reclamation engineering, and rural planning from the University of Tokyo, which he obtained in 1967. 

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