Vietnam concerns about the cross-border impact of Mekong River hydroelectric dams

"The Mekong is a common river that crosses borders and flows through many countries. As a downstream country, Vietnam is very concerned about the cross-border impact and water storage capacity of hydroelectric projects on the Mekong River," Deputy Spokesman Doan Khac Viet of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at today's regular press conference.

Mr. Viet spoke when asked to comment on information that some experts believe that 14 hydroelectric dams on the mainstream of the Mekong River are causing the risk of running out of flow and reducing the amount of sediment flowing to the downstream area, contributing to the increasing serious drought and landslides in the Mekong Delta.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the development and operation of hydroelectric projects on the Mekong River need to ensure no adverse impacts, including cross-border impacts on the environment, economic growth, and society life of the countries in the basin, especially downstream countries, and must be following international law and practices.

"Vietnam wishes and is ready to strengthen cooperation with relevant countries to effectively and sustainably manage and use the Mekong River water resources, while ensuring harmony in the interests of countries and without negative impacts to the lives of people living in the area," Mr. Viet said.

The Mekong River stretches 4,350 km, originates from the Tibetan plateau, and flows into the East Sea, it is the lifeline that supports tens of millions of people across China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam who live by farming and fishing.

Countries upstream of the Mekong River have built many dams, including large dams over 100 meters high, to promote renewable energy. However, some studies show that almost all of the river's sediment will be trapped upstream if all dam projects in the Mekong are developed, affecting rice cultivation, the primary food source for dozens of millions of people in the region.

In addition, hydroelectric dams also prevent fish from migrating and change the flow. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) estimates that fisheries on the Mekong River will be affected by nearly USD 23 billion by 2030. Damages from losing forests, wetlands, and mangroves will amount to USD 145 billion.