Review of the Mekong River Commission’s Basin Development Programme Phase 2

by Regional Members of the Panel of Experts (2010)

Executive Summary

The following summarises key findings of the Regional POE members from the review of the MRC Basin Development Plan Phase 2 key products Scenario Assessment Report (September 2010) and the Strategy Document (First Complete Draft – 15 September 2010). The Regional POE convened three times at the MRCS in Vientiane, Lao PDR during 2010 to review the status of work in progress and the BDP2 draft outputs – Development Scenario Assessment Report and Draft IWRM-based Basin Development Strategy.

The POE was tasked to undertake a comprehensive and independent review of these documents for their adequacy of scope, quality, consistency, comprehensiveness, and relevance. Furthermore, the POE was asked to address other key aspects, such as the connectivity and flow from development impact analysis; implementable directions for national planning authorities; ability to inform the Procedures for Notification and Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA); level of synergy with other MRC processes, such as the SEA; and, likelihood of being accepted and implemented by the MRC Member Countries and other stakeholders.

The POE appreciates the efforts of the BDP2 team and representatives from the four MRC Member Countries in implementing the BDP2 program. As embodied in the 1995 Mekong Agreement and MRC Strategic Plan, the BDP should support its Member Countries in cooperation and coordination for the realisation of the full potential of sustainable benefits for all.