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Politics and Development in a Transboundary Watershed pp 61–82Cite as

The Potential of MRC to Pursue IWRM in the Mekong: Trade-offs and Public Participation

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Abstract

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is committed to implementing IWRM in a development context that has a strong infrastructure focus. This raises questions about how to balance the goals of IWRM (economic efficiency, social equity and environmental sustainability) and the interests and power capabilities of the actors involved in the development of water resources. This chapter focuses on two key areas: the identification and negotiation of development trade-offs and public participation. Development of water resources involves trade-offs. In the Lower Mekong, the key trade-off is the development of hydropower versus fisheries which could bring local livelihoods and economic development into conflict. Public participation is extremely important within IWRM. However, there are issues of power and access that need to be mediated in order to allow a range of stakeholders to play a role in the development debate in the Lower Mekong. Through exploring these two areas, this chapter discusses some of the challenges the MRC must navigate if it is to play a strong role.

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Notes

  1. 1.

     Interviews were conducted in the lower Mekong region between February and July 2008 with a wide range of actors. They are referenced in the text by their category and the month/year they were conducted.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RU, UK

    Rachel Cooper

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  1. Rachel Cooper
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Correspondence to Rachel Cooper .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Peace and Development Research, School o, University of Gothenburg, Konstepidemins väg 2A-E, Gothenburg, 413 14, Sweden

    Joakim Öjendal

  2. , Peace and Development Research, School o, University of Gothenburg, Konstepidemins väg 2A-E, Gothenburg, 413 14, Sweden

    Stina Hansson

  3. , Peace and Development Research, School o, University of Gothenburg, Konstepidemins väg 2A-E, Gothenburg, 413 14, Sweden

    Sofie Hellberg

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Cooper, R. (2011). The Potential of MRC to Pursue IWRM in the Mekong: Trade-offs and Public Participation. In: Öjendal, J., Hansson, S., Hellberg, S. (eds) Politics and Development in a Transboundary Watershed. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0476-3_4

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