WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE MEKONG RIVER LINKING WITH CATCHMENT OF THE TONLE SAP GREAT LAKE

The Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Great Lake form a vital ecological and economic system in the region, supporting rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. However, decades of upstream development, overfishing, and weak resource management have degraded the system, resulting in declining fish stocks and increasing risks to agriculture—especially in Cambodia’s floodplains. The “Mekong–Great Lake Diversion” Project aims to enhance early-season water inflow into the Tonle Sap at the beginning of the wet season, after the lake has fully drained. This will support timely fish migration and help reduce risks to early rice crops. Through hydrological assessments, ecological studies, hydrodynamic modeling, and infrastructure planning, the project promotes integrated floodplain development, strengthens national food and water security, and fosters regional cooperation under the Mekong–Republic of Korea partnership.  Read more...

Countrie

Priority Sector

Environment

Countrie

Project Site

Cambodia

Beneficiaries

No. of Direct Beneficiaries

Duration

Duration

Nov-2016 to Oct-2017

Objectives

Objectives

  • 1. To enhance the early migration of fish eggs, larvae, and juveniles from their spawning areas in the upper Mekong and its tributaries to the Tonle Sap Great Lake, the Mekong floodplains, and the sea. To reduce the risk of damage to early rice crops (May–July) in the downstream floodplains of Cambodia.

Activities

Conducted hydrological and ecological assessments to inform early flood flow strategies from the Mekong River to the Tonle Sap.

Developed hydrodynamic models to simulate water movement and optimize the timing of lake in-filling.

Designed infrastructure concepts to support water diversion and enhance flow control.

Facilitated stakeholder consultations to ensure alignment with local needs and regional priorities.

Applied integrated, multi-sectoral planning approaches to strengthen floodplain management and promote sustainable water resource development.

[Expected] Results

Scientific Assessments and Modeling: Recompiled and analyzed floodplain data to develop early flood scenarios that support fish migration and crop protection. Established an optimized hydrological data network to improve understanding of the Mekong–Tonle Sap flood dynamics and to inform long-term flood risk mapping and planning.

Infrastructure Planning and Design: Proposed a multi-objective water conservancy scheme tailored to current and future land use, integrating considerations such as climate change, topography, soil conditions, and hydrology.

Institutional Cooperation and Policy Promotion: Advanced planning under a flexible legal and institutional framework that encourages intersectoral collaboration, alignment of shared goals, and conflict mitigation—fostering a cooperative environment for integrated water resource management.

Outcome

Success Factors/Strategies

  • Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing / Participatory Planning / Strategic Infrastructure Design
Outcome

Future Strategies and Sustainability Plans

  • Expand the Collection of Hydrological and Related Data / Integrate Disparate Data Resources / Promote Cross-Sectoral Planning and Collaboration
Objectives

PIA Contact Information

  • PIA Name: Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology
  • Person Name: Mr. Thach Sowanna
  • Person Email: thachsovanna@yahoo.com

Achievements

Project Implementing Agency
Contact Person: Mr. Thach Sowanna

(If you would like to know more about the project, or engage with us, contact us .)

Outcome

Project Videos

Outcome

Project Activity Reports

Outcome

Impact Story