Project Description
The Sekong, Sesan, and Srepok (3S) rivers formed a vital transboundary sub-basin of the Mekong, shared by Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam. This region was crucial for biodiversity, sediment transport, fisheries, irrigation, and flood and drought resilience. Contributing over 20% of the Mekong’s annual flow and nearly 15% of its sediment load, the 3S basin supported food production and migratory fish essential to downstream ecosystems like the Tonle Sap and Mekong Delta. However, the basin faced escalating threats from climate change, ecosystem degradation, and unsustainable resource use, necessitating urgent, coordinated action across the three countries to protect livelihoods and environmental health.
Objectives, Activities, and Results
The preparatory study aimed to lay the foundation for a Joint Project on sustainable water resource management in the 3S basin. It identified and analyzed key data, conducted situational assessments, and developed a Basin Diagnostic Analysis and basin-wide climate diagnostics using CMIP6 models. High-priority degraded landscapes were mapped for targeted restoration. The study launched an open-source digital 3S Basin Atlas, supported the formation of a Regional Steering Committee and National Working Groups, and delivered capacity building for national stakeholders. Joint priorities and future project measures were defined, establishing a framework for long-term transboundary collaboration and climate resilience in the basin.
