The Mekong is one of the largest rivers in the world, and its basin supports a population of over 50 million people and one of the most diverse and productive freshwater ecosystems in the world.
Within the Mekong Basin, the allocation of scarce water resources is becoming an increasingly important issue, and Halcrow is currently involved in developing tools that will help to ensure that the water is shared equitably and that natural resources are developed in a sustainable way.
We are helping the Mekong River Commission to develop and expand its information systems and modelling tools, particularly its Decision Support Framework and GIS-based tools. Our role includes supporting the client in structuring environmental, social and economic assessments, as well as software development and training.
An important aspect of the work is to support capacity building initiatives, in particular establishing a “community of practice” among the four member states of the Mekong River Commission.
The contract is being implemented through a series of work packages under a rolling work programme, to ensure it remains needs driven.