Mekong Dispatch
The news aggregator serving the region—August 2024.
In cooperation with the Mekong Environment Forum
The Mekong Delta is at a tipping point for sustainability. The threats are increasing daily from the implications of upstream dams, the accelerated rate of sea level rise, and an uncertain future climate. Our news aggregator exists in order to provide crucial, scientifically grounded environmental news analysis and data. Our newsletter supports young citizen scientists who actively engage in climate action, coming together to tackle environmental challenges in the region. Thank you—The editors.
Editors’ Picks
Cambodia PM launches project linking Mekong river to sea via canal
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet launched a controversial $1.7 billion canal project that will provide a new link from the Mekong River to the sea. The alternative route will provide a way for Cambodian container ships to enter the sea without having to cross into Vietnam first. —By Suy SE
The Geopolitics of Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal
With its potential to foster Chinese-backed economic enclaves and military installations, the canal poses a foreseeable challenge to Vietnam’s national security. Examining the geopolitics of the canal sheds new light on areas in need of action and highlights a need for political trust-building and collective security of all ASEAN countries. —By Nguyen Minh Quang and James Borton
Vietnam Needs NGOs and Youth to Meet Climate Change Challenges | Geopolitical Monitor
Vietnam’s relentless pursuit of economic growth has engendered significant environmental degradation. To balance sustainability and economic expansion, policy technocrats within the Communist Party are recognizing the necessity and significance of cooperating with regional NGOs and youth to tackle the multifaceted challenges of climate change. —By James Borton
Mapping the future of solar capacity in the Mekong region and beyond
Sunny Southeast Asia has made significant strides in solar energy, with solar farm capacity exceeding 20 GW across ASEAN countries. Nations in the region face diverse challenges such as supply chain disruptions and political dynamics to issues like anti-dumping tariffs and internal instability. —By Fidelis Eka Satriastanti, Tyler Roney and Soraya Kishtwari.
The world needs to care more about the Mekong
As important as the South China Sea dispute is to the region’s future, the Mekong is equally significant in Southeast Asia’s development and in understanding China’s foreign relations. —By Truston Yu
Environment
“Extreme weather risks rising as Tibetan Plateau gets hotter and wetter, scientists warn” by Kamun Lai August 19, 2024.
The Tibetan Plateau, which is also refer to as the “Asian water tower” and effects the Mekong River, is expected to enter into a warm and humid phase that will result in more than half the glacier mass melting in some locations and water levels rising by 33 feet by the end of the century.
“The Mekong is in transition, what does it mean for food security?” by Shauna Downs et al August 14, 2024.
Communities most affected by climate change in the Mekong River basin should be at the forefront of decision making and solution implementation as government agencies work to improve the livelihoods of millions of people in the region.
“Nearly 18 trillion VND to aid Mekong Delta’s climate change response” by Vietnam News Agency August 13, 2024.
With the assistance of the World Bank, Vietnam will implement a mega project aimed at enhancing climate change resilience in local communities and agricultural production.
“Mekong River floods roads in Nakhon Phanom, warnings issued” by Nattapong Westwood August 8, 2024.
An overflowed Mekong River submerged the Sawan Chai Khong Road in Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand.
“Extreme weather hits coffee growers in Laos” by Patithin Phetmeuangphuan August 5, 2024.
Coffee has helped lift farmers on the Bolaven Plateau and others out of poverty, but extreme weather threatens output.
“Tracing Arsenic Contamination in Viet Nam’s Rice Paddies” by Anh Thu July 29, 2024.
Despite arsenic, a toxic metal, being found in Vietnam’s market rice grains, most Vietnamese farmers have not heard of the issue due to a lack of policy initiatives and data availability. There is a dire need for alternative irrigation techniques and stronger standards to be implemented in Vietnam to produce its rice.
Geopolitics
“Vietnam backs promotion of Mekong-Lancang water resource cooperation” by Tuoi Tre News August 18, 2024.
Vietnam seeks to deepen collaboration with Mekong-Lancang Cooperation members to diversify people-to-people and youth exchanges, business connectivity, and raise awareness for the sustainable management of natural resources.
“Stronger ties with Mekong nations stressed” by Cao Desheng August 14, 2024.
China seeks to make the Lancang-Mekong region a model for effective Belt and Road cooperation and hopes to work with the Mekong countries’ foreign ministers to plan for next steps in advancing the partnerships.
“Vietnam backs Cambodia's Mekong canal, urges cooperation on impacts | Reuters” by Reuters August 8, 2024.
Vietnamese authorities and conservationists are alarmed with the canal’s potential effects on an already fragile Mekong Delta but are willing to cooperate with Cambodia in addressing those issues.
“Cambodia rulers pin reputation on contentious canal project” by David Hutt August 6, 2024.
The canal is projected to end Cambodia’s historic dependence on Vietnamese ports and make imports and exports cheaper.
I am grateful to our dedicated Mekong Dispatch team, Ella, Andre and Korbin. Also, a shout out to the excellent work that the Mekong Environment Forum does in Can Tho, Vietnam, in addressing climate change.