Bangkok, 21 May 2009 - A new report by the UN Environment Programme and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Freshwater under Threat – South East Asia, has found that countries in South East Asia should act now to secure the region’s abundant water supplies into the future.

The study focuses on the Mekong River Basin - the region’s most important water source, which stretches across China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam. Ranked among the world’s great rivers, the per capita water resources in the Mekong compares with the world average of 6,860 m3/person/year.

However, rapid development, climate change, and management concerns will significantly affect the Basin’s water resources and its inhabitants in the years ahead, according to the report.

“The time to tackle these challenges is now, otherwise the projected growth and development may impact on the basin’s ability to meet future water needs,” said Young-Woo Park, UNEP’s Regional Director and Representative.

The study found that the Mekong River Basin is moderately vulnerable to environmental change, with a Vulnerability Index of 0.31. This indicates that the Basin is in good condition in terms of water availability, but has management challenges, especially with respect to transboundary issues and use of its waters.

 “Considering the very high economic growth rates in parts of the Basin, and the consequent need to harness its water resources, the ongoing cooperation between the co-riparian countries should be strengthened. This will ensure that cross-border differences over water and its use is minimised in the years ahead,” said Young-Woo Park.

Population growth and increasing urbanization is also expected to increase demand for water in the years ahead. Warming temperatures and their impacts on sea-level rise and the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau, the source of the Mekong, are also expected to compound these pressures.

“The Tibetan Plateau has been identified as a climate system that is likely to change rapidly because of global warming. There might be less rainfall in some parts of the basin and thus less flooding. Furthermore, a modest 20 cm rise in sea levels would see salt waters going 60 – 70 km upstream during the dry season, affecting water and land along the riverbanks. The impacts of climate change could be devastating for the millions of people who depend on the Mekong for their livelihoods,” said  Dr Mukand Babel of AIT.

Water productivity is also low. At present, the GDP produced from one cubic metre of water used in the Mekong River Basin is US$2.4, much lower than the average US$23.8 of the world’s top five food producers (China, Brazil, United States, Mexico and France).

The report identifies four areas that need to be addressed:

1. River Basin Management – The on-going cooperation between Mekong River Basin countries needs to be strengthened to ensure transboundary issues related to water are minimised in the years ahead. This should include reaching a consensus on equitable water sharing between co-riparian countries.
   
   
2. Climate Change – The Mekong River Basin countries have a significant stake in combating climate change. Research suggests that global warming will impact heavily on the Tibetan Plateau. If this occurs it would lead to a dramatic decrease in the runoff volumes in parts of the Basin;
   
   
3. Water Productivity – More technical support and education is needed to increase the productivity of water use in the region.  
   
   
4. Safe Drinking Water – Access to safe drinking water in the Mekong River Basin is lower than the world average of 83 per cent. However, access to improved sanitation facilities in the Mekong River Basin compares with the corresponding world average of 59 per cent.

This report is a product of collaborative efforts between the UN Environment Programme and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
It follows the release of Freshwater Under Threat - South Asia and Freshwater Under Threat – Northeast Asia.

For More Information:
Satwant Kaur, Regional Information Officer, UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, E-mail: kaur@un.org, Tel: +662 2882127,
Mobile: +6683 9086000

The report can be found at: www.roap.unep.org

UNEP ROAP News Release 09/07