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Mekong Region

OUR WORK IN THE MEKONG REGION

The Greater Mekong Region covers areas of Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with a total population of over 300 million people. The Mekong River Basin is one of the most important international river basins, flowing through six countries and covering nearly 5,000 kilometres. More than 72 million people live within the basin, and the majority depend on the river and its natural resources for their livelihoods.

The region’s rapid economic growth is built upon resource extraction and development, which are undermining the health of the river systems. The associated risks and benefits are not shared equally within and between countries; While the economic benefits go to governments, the private sector, urban populations and upstream countries, the negative impacts fall on rural, forest and riverine communities, particularly women and girls, people experiencing poverty, remote and ethnic minority communities and those living downstream. These rural communities are also particularly vulnerable to extreme weather such as floods and drought, which are exacerbated by climate change.

KEY AREAS OF WORK

Gender Justice

Climate Justice

OUR PROJECTS IN THE MEKONG REGION

Mekong Inclusion project

The development of water infrastructure such as hydropower dams can fundamentally change the land and waters that riverine communities depend on for their livelihoods and well-being. Oxfam is supporting communities in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to engage in decision-making on water resources through policy dialogue that is inclusive of women, local people and civil society.

This project is supported by the Australian Government and the Swiss Government.

Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Mekong project

Climate change is challenging traditional systems for managing extreme weather like storms and floods. Oxfam is supporting vulnerable riverine communities in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to reduce the impacts of climate change by helping them to plan and implement approaches to address disaster and climate risk. Local authorise are also supported to help the communities prepare, and hydro-meteorological data is shared to support informed planning.

This project is supported by the Australian Government.

Influencing Just Energy Transition in Asia project

Climate change is impacting the entire Mekong region, and a regional response is essential. Oxfam is supporting ASEAN member states with high climate vulnerability and low access to affordable electricity – Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam – to influence national energy policies through ASEAN processes and direct engagement with policy makers and investors.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.

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