Collaborating Water Management for Small-Scale Hydropower Dams in Vietnam, Lao PDR and Cambodia

Abstract

Given current situation of rapid economic development in Mekong Region Countries, their power demand is projected to be risen about 10% annually in the period of 2010 to 2030. To meet this energy demand, there has been several hydropower dams constructed, in which hundreds of small-scale hydropower plants constructed in the tributaries of Mekong. In reality of its operation in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the small-scale hydropower dams have caused negative impacts on environment and water insecurity such as unequal water allocation, changing natural habitats, drought and floods, changing land use pattern,  poverty and livelihoods of households, particularly that of the poor, ethnic minority groups and women-headed households.

Reviewing current literatures regarding issues on hydropower dams and water management in Mekong Region pointed to the fact there has been no study touching the issue on collaborating water management for small-scale hydropower dam between hydropower dam owners, local communities and government.  Thus, this project will lead to original and significant scholarly results and address the water insecurity issues relating to water resource allocation and management in small-scale hydropower dams and to providing policy implications for establishment of collaborating water allocation and management for small-scale hydropower dams in Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia.