Asia & Indo-Pacific
Southeast Asia Program

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
New Evidence: How China Turned Off the Tap on the Mekong River
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
Kampong Khleang Fishing Village on Tonle Sap Still Shows Drought Conditions
A fishing village typically surrounded by water at this time of year sits dry, waiting for the Tonle Sap to flood.
Brian Eyler
Infographic
Don Sahong Dam nearly complete on Mekong in southern Laos
This 2nd Mekong mainstream dam in Laos has irrevocably altered the 4,000 Islands region, one of the Mekong’s and the world’s most pristine natural areas.
Brian Eyler
Infographic
When will this year’s Tonle Sap reversal occur?
The Tonle Sap Lake must reverse to drive Mekong economies and the tens of millions living in the basin. This year drought severely delays the reversal for millions.
Brian Eyler
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Latest

Infographic
When will this year’s Tonle Sap reversal occur?
The Tonle Sap Lake must reverse to drive Mekong economies and the tens of millions living in the basin. This year drought severely delays the reversal for millions.
Brian Eyler
Infographic
Images of China’s Jinghong Dam Show No Signs of Relief to Downstream Mekong Countries
China claims it’s helping downstream Mekong countries, satellite imagery suggest China’s hurting those countries.
Brian Eyler
Stimson in the News
Brian Eyler Speaks to Importance of the Lower Mekong Initiative
Infographic
Xayabouri Dam and drought are exposing the Mekong riverbed downstream
Satellite images suggest testing operations on the Mekong’s newest mainstream dam is holding water and exposing downstream stretches on the Thai/Lao border.
Brian Eyler
Infographic
China’s Mainstream Mekong Dams
Contrary to much media reporting, satellite imagery can confirm the completion of 11 mega-dams on China’s portion of the Mekong.
Brian Eyler
Stimson in the News
Review of Brian Eyler’s ‘The Last Days of the Mighty Mekong ‘
Brian Eyler
Stimson in the News
Why Is China Placing A Global Bet On Coal?
Courtney Weatherby quoted in NPR article on Chinese overseas coal plant development
Courtney Weatherby
Infographic
China’s Wunonglong Dam on the Upper Mekong Filling
China’s most recent upstream Mekong dam fills its reservoir and floods numerous upstream ethnic communities.
Brian Eyler
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News & Commentary

Stimson in the News
Courtney Weatherby & Brian Eyler Quoted on Energy Alternatives in Mekong
Brian Eyler • Courtney Weatherby
Stimson in the News
Mekong Power Shift Report cited in Article on Energy Alternatives to Hydropower in Mekong
Brian Eyler • Courtney Weatherby
Stimson in the News
Brian Eyler Quoted on alternative to hydro-power in Mekong
Brian Eyler
Stimson in the News
Courtney Weatherby Quoted in Mongabay on American Environmental Leadership in Cambodia
Courtney Weatherby
Stimson in the News
Brian Eyler’s Question on Mekong Basin to Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
Brian Eyler
Stimson in the News
Brian Eyler quoted in Bangkok Post on Development in the Mekong
Brian Eyler
Stimson in the News
Brian Eyler quoted in Radio Free Asia on Water-Energy Planning in Laos
Brian Eyler
Stimson in the News
Gabriella Neusner op-ed in The Diplomat on the Mekong River Commission
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Events

  • Past
  • Event
Sustainable Development & River Basin Management: From the Mekong to the Mississippi
  • August 23, 2016
  • Past
  • Event
Requiem for a River? Discussion on the Future of the Mekong
  • July 6, 2016
  • Past
  • Event
Myanmar: A Case Study for Improving Hydropower through System-Scale Planning
  • June 14, 2016
  • Past
  • Event
Climate Change, Drought, and the US Relationship with Vietnam
  • May 23, 2016
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