IS THE MRC PRO- OR ANTI- DAMS AND HYDROPOWER?
The MRC supports sustainable hydropower development that furthers the joint interests of its Member Countries. The hydropower potential of the Mekong River Basin is significant and has barely been tapped. Meanwhile the energy demands of the region are soaring, and there are substantial opportunities for the trading of power. • All the Mekong countries include hydropower options in their development strategies, seeing this renewable technology as a means of bringing in much needed revenue that will enable them to improve social structures, including education, health and infrastructure. • At the same time, the MRC believes that successful development of the basin’s hydropower potential requires a well-structured and integrated programme founded on basin-wide planning, with due regard to environmental and social aspects and to sustainability. It recognises that there are opportunities and risks with hydropower development and it is essential that careful consideration is given to such as
