Research papers

The chapters in this volume provide an in-depth look at some of the key environmental and climate change issues faced by the Mekong Region and evaluate key findings and their implications for improved policies, based on the close engagement of the project teams with local and national policymakers and other partners. This volume highlights the range and intensity of these environmental challenges as well as provides recommendations for local, national and regional policymakers, donors and other actors involved in supporting sustainable development in the Mekong Region.

Written By: 
Krittasudthacheewa, C., H. Navy, B.D. Tinh, S. Voladet. 

Publication Date:
August 2019

Topic : Climate policy, Geopolitics, Participation, Food, Agriculture

This report describes the biomonitoring survey conducted in the dry season of 2017 in the Lower Mekong Basin which contributes to the evaluation of the overall ecological health of the river. The objectives of the report are to (i) describe the biological indicator groups sampled during 2017; (ii) use this information to derive biological indicators for the sites examined in 2017; and (iii) use biometric indicators to evaluate these sites.

Written By:

 The Mekong River Commission 
(MRC)

Publication Date:
October 2019

Topic:

Ecological Health, Biological Indicator, Biological Metric

The methods used for biomonitoring can be sophisticated, producing highly accurate results, but can also be simplified for communities to use. In countries where budgets for biomonitoring are low, using community-based biomonitoring systems can effectively and cheaply tell us about a river’s health.

Written By:

Dickens, Chris; Cox, Amy; Johnston, Robyn; Davison, Supatra; Henderson, Derin; Meynell, PJ; Shinde, Victor;

Publication Date:
2018

Topic:  

Mekong, Laos, River Monitoring, State of knowledge

This Report Identifies The Key Issues Around Sustainable Sediment Management In The Mekong River Basin Based On A Desk Study Review. The Study Seeks To Contribute To The Implementation Of The International Sediment Initiative (ISI) Of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP). It Is Also Expected That This Information Will Be Useful For Policymakers In The Region And Beyond, As Well As For External Donors To Improve The Targeting Of Support For Sediment Management Efforts In The Mekong Basin. The Study Identifies A Number Of The Key Messages On And Challenges Facing Sediment Management In The Mekong Basin.

Written By:

 Piman, T., Manish, S.

Publication Date: 
November 2017

Topic:

Ecosystems Food, Agriculture, Water Resources

This report explains in general terms some of the impacts of dams on fisheries and outlines some approaches to mitigation. The report aims to inform discussion on mitigation of impacts of new dams as well as to encourage mitigation of impacts caused by existing dams.

Written By :

Hortle, K.G., So Nam

Publication Date :
December 2017

Topic:

Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Fisheries Management, Fish Biology

In order to address these challenges, the focus of this report is twofold. Firstly, to conduct a literature review on rice productivity in Cambodia to ascertain what data is already available and to identify constraints, challenges and options to increase rice productivity. Secondly, to measure actual crop water use through direct and indirect approaches on a dry season rice crop in 2012 and to calculate water productivity indices.

The literature review highlights that from the very limited data for Cambodia (and indeed for the neighbouring countries), that it lags behind its Asian neighbours both in terms of physical productivity and water productivity by up to 50%…..

Written By: 
David Smith & Evan Christen

Publication Date:
November 2013

Topic: Agriculture

This study has considered the likely impacts of building dams on the Mekong, using various scenarios based upon current proposals and plans. These impacts include the likely effect of such dams on fish migration to and from their spawning grounds; the subsequent effect on breeding and therefore revised prediction of fish stocks; the potential changes to food security arising from changes to yields on capture fisheries, and lastly, the potential impacts to the diet and nutrition, focusing particularly on those who depend on fish for essential elements of their intake. Full report from: Cambodia Nutrition Community Library

Written By:

Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute (IFReDI)

Publication Date:
November 2012

Topic:

Dam, Fish Migration, Fish Stocks, Food and Nutrient Security

The objective of this research is to provide an understanding of natural hazards in Stung Treng as well as give a broader picture of disaster risks in the north-eastern region of Cambodia in conjunction with similar vulnerability mapping projects that were carried out in 2009 in the provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. Stung Treng is exposed to seasonal floods from the Mekong as well as severe floods from tropical storms and depressions, as identified by the Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2008-2013 (SNAP). The province is also exposed to seasonal drought for years but prior to the research, there was little documentation on its manifestations, frequency, and impacts. Insect infestation was also not considered a major natural hazard in the province.

Written By:

Hing, P., Kathlyn,K.H. Sumaylo., Bo, S., Sras, P

Publication Date:
November 2010 

Topic :

Environmental Sustainability, Decentralization, Disaster Risk Assessment, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR & CCA), North-East Cambodia