CEPF (2012 - 2013)

Project Title: Strengthening good governance for hydropower dams Mekong mainstream with particular focus on Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Objective:
Overall objective: To strengthen the local ownership in the decision making process through developing the Mekong delta think-tank to promote understanding of delta systems among decision makers, planners, and delta communities. Moreover, legal arguments will be immensely employed for the purpose of stronger persuasion and critical recommendations targeting at decision makers. In fact, there currently exist many groups who are concerning for the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta.  However, a common effort to motivate and connect people is still lacking.

Specific Objectives:

• To include these stakeholders in participatory action research and discussions/dialogues
• To advocate for sustainable and resilient management of delta systems
• To involve a coalition of local, national, and regional non-governmental and semi-governmental organizations, which will create a strong platform for effective advocacy concerning the long-term sustainability of the delta, including both issues internal to the delta and impacts from upstream

Activities:

• Form Delta based think tank group (which are going to play a proactive role in implementing activities under this project) under the coordination of GreenID.
• Think-tank to meet to make plan and identify focus issues to analyze, make recommendations and advocate in the next coming years. The following initial issues will be put in the selection process:

1.  Review PNPCA: Procedure of Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement of

MRC applied to the Xayaburi case.

2.  Review Basin Development Plan (BDP)

3.  Review and make recommendations for impact studies related to mainstream hydropower implemented by Vietnam Mekong Committee

4.  Watch dog next PNPCA process related to other hydropower in the Mekong River.

• Hold one two-day multi-stakeholder dialogue to share findings from PNPCA review
• Organize a first small seminar on Mekong dam issues for interested law school’s students in Can Tho city.

Project duration: from November 2012 to Oct 2013