Hydropower Development in the Mekong Region

A detailed exploration of hydropower development's socio-economic and environmental impacts in the Mekong Basin, Hydropower Development in the Mekong Region offers vital insights for stakeholders.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, socio-economic, and environmental aspects of hydropower development in the Mekong Basin. Home to around 70 million people, the Mekong River is vital for their livelihoods, ecosystems, and economic foundations. However, the region is currently experiencing significant changes driven by hydropower development, which this book explores through various perspectives from countries including China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Written by experts from leading research institutions in the region, Hydropower Development in the Mekong Region offers a holistic examination of the socio-political contexts that shape hydropower initiatives. It draws on political ecology and political economics to analyze the intricate relationships between economic, social, political, and ecological factors influencing hydropower projects. The basin-wide approach highlights how development impacts and benefits are interconnected across the Mekong Basin.

The research presented in this book is based on empirical studies conducted between 2012 and 2013 as part of the CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food's Mekong program. By providing insights into the complexities of hydropower development, this work aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the multifaceted implications of such projects in the region.