Mekong symposium addresses knowledge gaps in transboundary cooperation

Many gaps exist in both policy and practice in transboundary cooperation in the Mekong Region. A recent panel at the Fourth International Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR explored how to identify and fill these gaps to enable better cooperation including sharing of information and resources.

Dr. Inthavy Akkharath, Director General, Department of Water Resources, Lao PDR, stated that the prevailing discrepancies in water governance among the riparian countries have caused challenges in partnership. “Cooperation between countries needs to be improved in terms of policy priorities,” he said.

However, making mutually beneficial decisions is not a linear process given many interests and influences in the region. How can this situation be improved?

H.E. Kol Vathana, Deputy Secretary General, Cambodia National Mekong Committee stated that riparian countries should form a coalition to develop an inclusive work plan.

He explained that there is a continued lack of awareness of the threats to water security posed by climate change and human behavior. 

If an inclusive and comprehensive work plan developed by all relevant partners could potentially enhance opportunities and increase connectivity, then the next question is, who are the relevant partners?

Although identifying and selecting the right people can be a complicated and time-consuming task, it is critical for enhancing long-term transboundary collaboration.

Niall O’Connor, SEI Asia Centre Director said it is important to build synergies, bringing in representatives of different genders, ethnicities, and youth.

Dr. Hao Zhao, Secretary General of the Lancang Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Centre, China, said that he shared a similar vision to improve partnership because for countries to transition to a common goal, we need trust and commitment.

Policymaking needs to go hand in hand with scientific evidence. However, supporting policymakers with relevant scientific evidence can become filled with confusion.

Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong, Deputy Director General, Viet Nam National Mekong Committee stated that there is a need for correct data interpretation especially one that is grounded on credible and appropriate evidence. “Sometimes research brings data that causes confusion, especially for the local community, because if they don’t understand the information, it can lead to more problems,” she said.

Long-term partnerships

The panel discussions gave more hope that there is a strong willingness among various actors to collaborate towards building long-term partnerships to strengthen transboundary collaborations. This was reiterated by Dr. Chayanis Krittasuthacheewa, SUMERNET Programme Director, in her concluding remarks: “The willingness to collaborate is considered as our commitment to building strong links among researchers, civil society, local communities, and policymaking.”

Photo credit: Bouanong Lathouly

Initiatives such as SUMERNET and the Mekong Thought Leadership and Think tanks network can bridge the gap between knowledge and policy implementation; facilitating dialogues can go a long way towards closing the gap between evidence-based research for policy implementation.

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This piece is based on a reflection by SUMERNET Young Professionals on the side event on “Priority Needs for Policy and Partnership Towards Strengthening Mekong Transboundary Cooperation” as part of the 4^th international MRC Summit, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET) and Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network (MTT) Program co-organized a high-level panel on knowledge in policy and practice to enhance transboundary cooperation in the Mekong Region.