FILE PHOTO: Photo taken on Jan. 1, 2020 shows the sunset scenery of Luang Prabang on the riverside of Mekong River, Laos. - Xinhua
VIENTIANE: Australia has provided US$1.71 million to the Mekong River Commission to improve river monitoring and water management across Laos and the Mekong region.
The funding was formalised on November 5 at the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane during a ceremony supporting the Environment and River Profile Survey.
The programme helps the commission monitor river conditions, forecast changes and assess the basin’s health, according to an MRC media release.
The Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, attended the event and witnessed the launch of a new Digital Twin platform. The tool integrates hydrological, meteorological and spatial data to show how changes in rainfall, river flow and land use could affect communities and ecosystems.
“With this Digital Twin platform, we are giving our communities and partners a window into the river’s future,” Dr Linkham was quoted as saying.
“When we see what may come, we can plan better, respond faster, and protect people and their livelihoods and the natural environment, which depend heavily on the Mekong,” he said.
Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, said the funding builds on Australia’s core support under the Mekong-Australia Partnership, which aims to strengthen water security, economic resilience and sustainable growth in the sub-region.
“Australia is proud to support this project as it will benefit the Mekong River Commission, its member countries, and the river’s communities, economy, and environment,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat, Busadee Santipitaks, welcomed the project and said it allowed the commission to harness advanced digital tools.
“Today we harness new digital capabilities and advanced capabilities so that we can ensure shared benefits for the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin,” she said.
The partnership highlights the shared commitment of Laos, the Mekong River Commission and Australia to promote innovation, strengthen water governance and support the sustainable future of the Mekong River Basin. - Vientiane Times/ANN
