Mekong river-multi-use basin

Question 1

transportation

Answer 1

in dry season when river is low, there are reefs and shifting sandbars=obstacles

Question 2

industrial development

Answer 2

first dam on river at Man Wan (china) completed in 1993. first bridge completed in lower Mekong 1994.
CONFLICT WITH POPULATION VASTLY GROWING=HIGHER DEMANDS ON RESOURCES

Question 3

residential development

Answer 3

home to 55 million people. hard to dispose of raw sewage. 17 million live in delta. CONFLICT WITH WIDE SPREAD FLOODING= IN 2000, >800 DIED

Question 4

recreation and leisure

Answer 4

population/tourism fastest growing in the world. receive funding from Asian development bank to help conserve natural environment.
CONFLICT WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES E.G FISHING

Question 5

energy and development

Answer 5

hydroelectric power due to steep relief. only 5% of hydroelectric potential has been developed
CONFLICTS AS CAUSES DAMAGE TO FISHERIES AND DAMS BUILT UPSTREAM AFFECT WATER NEEDED BY LAOS

Question 6

farming and water supply

Answer 6

80% rice production in lower basin relies on water, silt and nutrients provided by flooding. also supports fishing ground
CONFLICTS WITH DAMS AFFECTING WATER FLOW IN LOWER MEKONG DURING DRY SEASONS

Question 7

fishing and water supply

Answer 7

annual harvest=2 million tonnes (x2 catch of north sea)
>1 million rely on fishing to make a living
CONFLICT WITH DAMS=ENERGY