Hydropower development has been growing rapidly as the demand for electricity surges, arising from economic development among countries. The construction of mainstream dams will ensure regional energy security to the poorest communities living in the Lower Mekong Basin (LWB), enabling them to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

Regardless, hydropower development, especially on the mainstream of the LMB, has been met with much opposition from non-governmental groups (NGOs) and environmental groups who are worried about the consequences that it would have on the people and the environment.

Despite oppositions from the other member countries, MRC’s inability to prohibit countries from carrying out their dam projects resulted in the construction of the controversial Xayaburi dam, located in Laos. It is the first mainstream dam constructed on the LMB.

Nevertheless, a major player that controls the shared water resource in the upper basin of the Mekong River is China. In a study conducted by Eyes on Earth, Inc., it was reported that despite high rainfall and snowmelt in the Upper Mekong Basin (UMB) during the monsoon season in 2019, the LWB experienced one of the worst droughts in history. This was mainly caused by the eleven dams located along the UMB, restricting the flow of water that would have otherwise been enough to keep the water level in the LMB above normal levels.

Taking these factors into consideration, it is not only the MRC’s and the four member riparian countries’ responsibility to ensure equitable distribution of water resources, but it is also the responsibility of the two other riparian countries, China and Myanmar.