Transboundary water resource management and sustainable development in the lancang-mekong river basin: an analysis of international water law

ABSTRACT

The Lancang-Mekong River Basin stands as one of the most critical and complex transboundary basins globally, where the utilization and protection of water resources are paramount. This basin, linking China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, is characterized by a dense population and rapid industrial and agricultural development, fostering frequent economic and cultural exchanges. Cooperative efforts in water resource utilization and protection among these countries lead to issues such as resource disputes, environmental pollution, and collaboration barriers. Since the six basin countries have not jointly joined any international convention on water resources development or protection, disputes have been resolved and cooperation promoted through existing inter-state cooperation mechanisms for many years. However, these mechanisms often fall short due to the lack of common guiding principles. Achieving sustainable water resource development in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin aligns with the national interests of the six countries. The basin states can establish a transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment system and a dispute settlement mechanism. Constructing a comprehensive Integrated Water Resource Management Cooperation Mechanism, rooted in the fundamental principles of international water law, is crucial for enhancing the level of international cooperation within the basin.

KEYWORDS:

• Lancang-Mekong river basin
• international water law
• sustainable development
• water resources development and protection
• transboundary integrated water resources management

Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely appreciate the constructive comments from two anonymous peer reviewers and the editor.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).