Mekong River Commission

The Mekong River Commission

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is a river basin organisation built on a foundation of nearly 50 years of knowledge and experience in the region dating from 1957, when it began life as the United Nations-founded Mekong Committee.

On 5 April 1995 the governments of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam signed The Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin and agreed on joint management of their shared water resources and development of the economic potential of the river. This agreement formed the Mekong River Commission.

A dialogue mechanism has been set up with the two upstream countries, China and Myanmar. This is a framework of cooperation under which concrete joint activities are undertaken. In 2002, the MRC and China signed an “agreement on the provision of hydrological information on the Lancang/Mekong River in the flood season”. Through this agreement, China contributes effectively to MRC’s flood forecasting activities.

The MRC provides the institutional framework to promote regional cooperation in order to implement the 1995 agreement. It serves its Member States by supporting decisions and promoting action on sustainable development and poverty alleviation as a contribution to the UN Millennium Development Goals. It also acts as a conduit through which the member countries can exchange information on formulating and implementing a joint basin development plan.

The work of the MRC is governed by the wishes of the four member countries and they hold regular consultations to decide strategy and policy.

The Council consists of one member from each country at ministerial or cabinet level and meets once a year to make policy decisions and provide other necessary guidance concerning the promotion, support, co-operation and coordination of joint activities and programmes in order to implement the 1995 Agreement.

The Joint Committee consists of one member from each country at no less than head of government department level and meets twice a year to approve budgets and strategic plans. This body functions as a board of management.

The MRC Secretariat provides technical and administrative support. The Secretariat is based in Vientiane, Lao PDR and employs more than 120 people including engineers, scientists, environmental and social specialists, and administrators. The Secretariat is under the direction of a Chief Executive Officer who is appointed by the Council. The position of Assistant CEO rotates amongst the Directors and is for a one year term.

National Mekong Commttees in each member country provide a link between the MRC and national governments and coordinate MRC-related activities at the national level through line agencies.

The MRC is funded through member country contributions and international development aid agencies from many countries. Formal consultation with the donor community is carried out through an annual Donor Consultative Group meeting.

The MRC’s work is carried out through a broad range of partnerships and community involvement. The Commission coordinates and works directly with the governments of each member country, their line agencies, the local communities, development banks, UN agencies, the private sector and civil society.