Representatives from Lancang-Mekong riparian countries gather at Yunnan University (YNU) from June 3 to 5 to discuss cooperation in water resource management. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

A number of representatives from countries along the Lancang-Mekong River gathered at Yunnan University (YNU) from June 3 to 5 to discuss cooperation in utilizing and protecting water resources.

The event was sponsored by the Department of International Cooperation and Technology at the Ministry of Water Resources and organized by the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center and YNU’s Institute for International Rivers and Ecological Safety.

The meeting was addressed by Yu Xingjun, inspector of the Department of International Cooperation and Technology at the Ministry of Water Resources and the leader of the Chinese side of the working team formed by representatives from the Lancang-Mekong countries, Li Chenyang, vice-president of YNU, and Chanthanet Boualapha, secretary-general of the Lao National Mekong Committee and leader of the Lao side of the working team for water resource management.

In his speech, Yu expressed hope that the working team would take into consideration the actual development needs of each participating country when making decisions. 

He expected the working team to strike a balance between development and preservation of water resources and to pursue a coordinated and eco-friendly approach to growth. 

YNU Vice-President Li Chenyang stressed that YNU is a significant driving force for the Lancang-Mekong partnership. 

YNU founded the Research Center for the Lancang-Mekong Sub-region and has forged connections with a number of research institutes in Lancang-Mekong countries. 

Boualapha said that Laos hopes to work with Lancang-Mekong countries to promote cooperation in water resource management. 

Following the opening address, experts held a discussion on six topics, including water resources and green development, water resource management and climate change, hydraulic engineering and development, and hydroelectric development.

This gathering is the first of the year for the Lancang-Mekong water resource management working team. 

The event has proved fruitful. During the meeting, a cooperation plan was drafted for Lancang-Mekong countries. A list of project approvals was also reviewed, and a proposal for a roundtable meeting for ministers was discussed. 

More than 70 representatives from the government, institutes and universities in China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the meeting. 

Experts discuss issues related to water resource management during the meeting of the working team, which was formed to better manage water resources in Lancang-Mekong riparian countries. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Experts discuss issues related to water resource management during the meeting of the working team, which was formed to better manage water resources in Lancang-Mekong riparian countries. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Representatives from Lancang-Mekong riparian countries sign a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hydrological information under the LMC Mechanism. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]