Author(s): Pech Sokhem; Kengo Sunada; Satoru Oishi; Naoki Miyazawa
Linked Author(s): Naoki Miyazawa, Kengo Sunada, Satoru Oishi
Keywords: Mekong River Basin; Population growth; Food and energy demands; Sustainable water resources
Abstract: The study critically assesses demand projections for food and electric power resulting from demographic changes in the Mekong River Basin (MRB). The cross-cutting analysis of the correlations between population growth and hydrology is conducted to find the scope for balancing water availability (in terms of river flow) with the projected change. The cumulative impacts from the two key water sectors – hydropower and high irrigation growth – on the MRB water availability, is carried out, and the possible management adaptation to ensure sustainable and equitable water use in this important international river basin is explored. The results confirm the urgent requirement for a truly regional and balanced approach to an integrated management in the MRB to address looming water crisis associated with the increased dry season water demand.
Year: 2005