WATER SECURITY AT MEKONG RIVER BASIN: THE BORDER OF VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA

Abstract

Water security in the border region of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia within the Mekong River basin is facing serious challenges. This article analyzes the current situation and identifies three main groups of challenges. First, hydropower development upstream, especially on the mainstream, has fundamentally altered the hydrological regime, causing unusual flow fluctuations, reduced natural floods, and increased saltwater intrusion downstream. Second, water quality has severely deteriorated due to pollution from intensive agriculture (overuse of fertilizers, pesticides) , untreated industrial wastewater, and domestic waste. Third, existing transboundary cooperation mechanisms have many shortcomings, lacking effective enforcement and the participation of key upstream countries. Based on the current situation, the article proposes several policy implications aimed at enhancing cooperation effectiveness and sustainable water management.