The conference introduced potential projects and recommended measures to tackle pollution and resource depletion in the river.

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A section of the Mekong River. Photo: Vietnam+
CSEAS Executive Director, Dr. Arisman said the unsustainable use of water resources by upstream countries can harm nations in downstream areas, particularly rice producers like Thailand and Vietnam.

He suggested member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) join hands to protect the river and make its sustainable management part of the agendas of their meetings.

Participating experts discussed challenges to the sustainable management of the Mekong River’s water source, including development gaps among nations, integration levels, environmental issues, and climate change.

They also discussed several solutions, such as building a far-reaching action plan and increasing cooperation in dealing with climate change and natural disasters.

With a total length of about 4,800 km, the Mekong River runs through China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Source: VNA