Water Diplomacy in the Mekong Basin

Publications

• REPORT: Strengthening Water Diplomacy Through Water Data Sharing and Inclusive Evidence-Based Transboundary Governance (download here)

Contact

Contact Dr. Carl Middleton for further details.

In this research, we examine how new approaches to water diplomacy might strengthen cooperation for the collective good of the Mekong-Lancang basin. We focus on transboundary water data sharing, which has emerged as a key policy concern and is the foundation of evidence-based cooperation, trust building, and ultimately positive reciprocity in water diplomacy. The main research question is: “What options exist for improved evidence-based transboundary water governance between state actors and inclusive of non-state actors in the Mekong-Lancang basin based on recent improvements in basin-wide water data sharing?”

This research will:

• Review international best practice on data sharing in international law and in select major river basins around the world;

• Undertake an assessment of existing data sharing arrangements in the Mekong-Lancang basin, including institutionalized arrangements and the role of existing and emerging data portals;

• Undertake an assessment of the current means by which water data is shared with the public, including through case studies in North and Northeast Thailand, and how do these water data sharing arrangements currently contribute to evidence-based transboundary water governance, including via government studies, academic research, community-based research, and within the media;

• Identify options for strengthening transboundary water governance that could facilitate evidence-based transparent and accountable transboundary water decisions.

The project has received support from the Cambodia Development Research Institute.