Environmental Study of the Lancang-Mekong Development Plan: Introduction and Overview

The Development Plan of International Navigation on the Lancang-Mekong River (LMDP) aims to improve navigation in the Mekong mainstream from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang. Phase 1 includes the development of three cargo ports at Xiengkok, Pak Beng and Luang Prabang in Lao PDR; the improvement and maintenance of 146 rapids and shoals; and the construction of four emergency response and rescue ships and 1199 aids to navigation. ICEM has received grant funding from the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) to conduct the Environmental Study (ES) of the LMDP from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang.

An introduction to the ES and overview of the project was delivered by ICEM Director, Dr Jeremy Carew-Reid, at the ES of the LMDP stakeholder workshop that took place at the 2016 Greater Mekong Forum on Water, Food and Energy. Dr Carew-Reid is the Project Leader for the ES of the LMDP.