Mekong drowned in water politicsThe mighty Mekong River is the heart and soul of Southeast Asia. In recent years, historic low water levels in the Mekong has devastated communities like Cambodia's Tonle Sap, once home to one of the most productive freshwater fisheries on Earth. The Mekong Dam Monitor, formed in December, provided a clearer picture. At present, two agencies, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), are spearheading efforts to heal the river but their approach is one dimensional, focusing only on improving drought forecasting to prevent low water levels. Meanwhile, downstream nations must come together and act as one counterbalance to China's strategic dominance upstream.

Source: Bangkok Post January 09, 2021 21:45 UTC