The Mekong region has experienced rapid economic growth; however, climate change and urbanization have intensified water-related disasters and upstream–downstream water disputes, posing significant challenges to sustainable development. To address these issues, the Republic of Korea and the United States launched a capacity-building project focused on water data utilization in the Mekong basin. This initiative aligns with the Friends of the Lower Mekong–Mekong River Commission Joint Statement (August 2018), which emphasizes strengthening water data management and information sharing. The project seeks to create synergy between South Korea’s New Southern Policy and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Vision by supporting scientific, data-driven water resources management. The ultimate goal is to enhance disaster resilience and promote sustainable development in the Mekong region by improving the accessibility and utilization of essential data for integrated water resources management (IWRM). Read more...
