Mekong Policy Project

Reducing Risks in the Mekong Basin

Addressing the regional environmental and social impacts along the Mekong River to improve food security, stability and cross-country relations.

In Southeast Asia Research

As a biodiversity hotspot that is home to more than 60 million people, the Lower Mekong River Basin plays a vital role as the region’s “rice bowl,” the world’s largest freshwater fishery and provider of livelihoods. Stimson’s Mekong Policy Project interacts with a wide range of local and international NGOs, government departments, and academic institutions in addressing environmental, political, and economic challenges in the region.

We lead the discourse on transboundary effects of hydropower dams along the Mekong River, the basin’s significant impacts on regional relations, and the future of water and energy collaboration among a crowded field of regional development frameworks.

Feature
While China received uncommonly high levels of rain, its dams on the Mekong River held back more water than ever - while downstream countries suffered through drought.
Brian Eyler • Regan Kwan • Courtney Weatherby

Monitoring the Mekong

Maps, Imagery, & Analysis of Impacts on the River

Infographic
This large fishing village along Southeast Asia’s largest lake in Cambodia should be underwater, instead its bone dry.
Brian Eyler
Infographic
A crystal clear Mekong at this time of year is a sign that the mighty river system is reaching a point of no return.
Brian Eyler
Infographic
The Mekong’s banks should be flooding over, instead it has never been so dry.
Brian Eyler

Latest

Commentary
Stimson scholars consider China's dams on the Mekong, evidence of their impact downstream, policy motivations, and more
Brian Eyler • Yun Sun
Op-Ed
Drought coupled with the coronavirus pandemic spells danger for food security.
John Lichtefeld • Courtney Weatherby
Report
This report explores the trade, investment, business, diplomacy, security, education, and people-to-people connections between the United States and the five countries of mainland Southeast Asia referred to as the Mekong region.
Brian Eyler • Courtney Weatherby
Op-Ed
New data demonstrates a devastating effect on downstream water supplies that feed millions of people.
Brian Eyler
Feature
While China received uncommonly high levels of rain, its dams on the Mekong River held back more water than ever - while downstream countries suffered through drought.
Brian Eyler • Regan Kwan • Courtney Weatherby
Commentary
Despite a quick response during their initial outbreak, Vietnam could not avoid a second outbreak and the need to take more aggressive measures.
John Lichtefeld
Commentary
ASEAN countries start taking measures to mitigate an outbreak as cases begin to surge, despite an initial delay
Courtney Weatherby
Infographic
More than 200 large dams planned, completed, or under construction in the lower Mekong Basin will deliver severe fragmentation to the river’s ecosystem and devastate downstream fisheries and agricultural practices.
Brian Eyler

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