Mekong Basin Connect

Optimizing Development Tradeoffs in the Mekong Basin

We act to conserve the mighty Mekong’s ecosystem through system-scale planning methods and promoting the renewable energy revolution in mainland Southeast Asia.

In Southeast Asia Research

The Lower Mekong countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam have achieved unprecedented economic growth over the last decade. However, this rapid economic expansion has come at a significant social and environmental cost, with growth fueled by increased energy consumption supplied mostly by hydropower and coal.

Resettlement from infrastructure projects in Laos is now the top driver of internal migration; Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, the world’s largest inland fishery is threatened by upstream dams; and Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, the country’s “rice bowl” is rapidly dropping in economic productivity. Poorly planned hydropower plants and an excess of new coal power plants threaten natural resource security in the Lower Mekong and are a source of political tension among these countries.

Mekong Basin Connect is a collaborative partnership formed of Stimson, IUCN, and a range of qualified technical partners. We build capacity for government and non-government stakeholders in the Lower Mekong move toward an alternative pathway that protects the Mekong River’s core ecology while also reliably meeting the region’s energy needs to support robust levels of economic development.

Interactive
Brian Eyler • Courtney Weatherby

Latest

Commentary
Lao PDR should diversify its renewable energy pipeline to build long-term resilience, and international development partners can help
Alana Ballagh
Report
Vietnam can share lessons from its renewable energy expansion and coordinate with neighbors to minimize environmental impacts to the Mekong.
Courtney Weatherby • Brian Eyler • Jake Brunner
Report
The renewable energy transition and other market trends in Thailand open the door to more sustainable electricity trade with Laos
Courtney Weatherby • Apisom Intralawan • Siripha Junlakarn...
Report
Mekong countries must balance rising electricity demand with the clean energy technology transition, environmental impacts of hydropower, and shocks from COVID-19 and drought
Courtney Weatherby
Impact
Deep connections with policymakers and applied research are protecting a river basin – and a way of life – in Southeast Asia
Interactive
Brian Eyler • Courtney Weatherby

News & Commentary

Commentary
Lao PDR should diversify its renewable energy pipeline to build long-term resilience, and international development partners can help
Alana Ballagh
Commentary
Richard Cronin • Brian Eyler • Courtney Weatherby
Commentary
Richard Cronin • Brian Eyler • Courtney Weatherby

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