4. Integrated Drainage Basin Management Flashcards
What are Integrated Drainage Basin Plans (IDBPs)?
IDBPs are important for large-scale rivers crossing political boundaries, impacted by stakeholder interests and environmental stressors.
Why are IDBPs increasingly necessary?
Due to erratic flow rates, floods, and drought affecting vital water resources.
What is the primary purpose of the Mekong IDBP?
To coordinate the use of the Mekong drainage Basin among various stakeholders.
Which nations are involved in the Mekong drainage Basin?
- China
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
What are the Lower Mekong Basin Nations (LMB)?
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Thailand
- Laos
What does IWRM stand for?
Integrated Water Resources Management
What is the role of the Mekong River Commission (MRC)?
To promote sustainable development and coordinate management from a basin-wide perspective.
How often does the MRC update the Basin Development Strategy?
Every five years.
What is a key focus of the Basin Development Strategy 2016 - 2020?
Achieving sustainable development in the Lower Mekong Basin.
What is a positive aspect of the Mekong IDBP’s vision?
It sets out a long-term strategy for sustainable development beyond national and sector planning.
What challenge exists regarding the two dominant users of the Mekong River?
China and Myanmar are not full members of the MRC but are dialogue partners.
What positive development has occurred in terms of integration among LMB countries?
Each country now has a dedicated agency for water resources management.
What is a negative aspect of the MRC’s integration efforts?
It does not include China and Myanmar, affecting communication and transparency.
What is a unique feature of the Mekong IDBP in terms of scale?
It is the only 4-nation basin management plan in the world.
What positive aspect is noted about the timing of the strategy?
It focuses on 5-year plans that roll into each other.
What is a key positive aspect of participation among the Mekong nations?
Close participation exists among the four countries.
What challenge exists regarding participation in the Mekong IDBP?
Larger stakeholders like China and Myanmar are not full members, limiting cooperation.
What is a positive aspect of the MRC’s capacity?
It includes a broad range of stakeholders in its organizational structure.
What complaint do many NGOs have regarding the MRC?
Their voices are not being heard in decision-making processes.
What negative environmental impact is highlighted in the Nature News article?
The transformation of the Mekong River into fragmented pieces due to various stresses.
What positive aspect is noted regarding knowledge within the MRC’s strategy?
Research and monitoring are central to the strategy.
What is a negative aspect concerning environmental impacts in the Mekong Basin?
Little priority is given to environmental and social impacts amid large-scale dam development.
What are the 7 guiding principles laid out by the WWf for Basin Management?
