China Reveals Mekong Data In Boost For Drought Response

[webfact]

China reveals Mekong data in boost for drought response

BANGKOK (AFP) - China has agreed to provide information on Mekong water levels in a major boost for efforts to respond to an alarming decline in the river's flow, authorities said Thursday.

Activists in Thailand have said that Chinese dams are responsible for record-low levels on the critical waterway, but poor rainfall in the region has also been identified as a factor.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) said that China would share data from its upstream monitoring stations on the Mekong -- on which more than 60 million people depend for drinking water, transport, irrigation and fishing.

"This is very positive news, as it shows that China is willing to engage with lower basin countries," MRC secretariat chief Jeremy Bird said in a statement.

"It will clear ambiguity on this issue and further build the trust necessary to jointly address other critical issues facing the basin, such as food security and climate change," he added.

The move comes ahead of a four-nation summit hosted by Thailand next month to discuss management of the Mekong which is suffering from the lowest water levels for 20 years.

The leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam will meet in the resort town of Hua Hin south of Bangkok.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-25

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[khunandy]

Its good to see that information will be coming from the Chinese but I would have liked to have seen the meetings held in a Mekong location such as Chiang Rai or Nong Khai

[webfact]

China confirms attendance at the Mekong River Commission Summit

BANGKOK (NNT) -- China declared cooperation in resolving water crisis at the first Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suwit Khunkitti, stated China had earlier agreed to submit a report of water usage in the lower Mekong basin to the MRC every Monday at 09.00 hrs. The process had started since 22 March 2010. He said the submitting of water report indicated good cooperation between both countries in the area of water management.

Due to the crisis, Thailand was selected as the host of the first MRC Summit from 2 to 5 April 2010 in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Negotiations will be made to press for resolutions in solving the rapid drop of water level.

Ministerial Representatives of MRN member states from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam had confirmed their attendance at the Summit as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of China to observe the meeting as the head water country.

-- NNT 2020-03-25

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[kutjebu]

Its good to see that information will be coming from the Chinese but I would have liked to have seen the meetings held in a Mekong location such as Chiang Rai or Nong Khai

Yes,but without Abashit,because he's scare.

[anotherpeter]

Its good to see that information will be coming from the Chinese but I would have liked to have seen the meetings held in a Mekong location such as Chiang Rai or Nong Khai

Yes,but without Abashit,because he's scare.

The guy can't do anything right to you Thaksin supporters can he?

He had a trip planned to Aus and NZ, but the reds said he should stay to deal with them.

Now, he comes back to Bangkok because the reds are confronting the army, and you're saying he's scared.

WILL YOU WORK OUT WHICH WAY YOU WANT TO GO AND STICK WITH IT.

[otherstuff1957]

can't do anything right ... you Thaksin supporters

That about sums it up.

It would be better to have the meeting on the shores of the dry river though. Nonkhai or Vientaine would be better choices.

[anotherpeter]

can't do anything right ... you Thaksin supporters

That about sums it up.

It would be better to have the meeting on the shores of the dry river though. Nonkhai or Vientaine would be better choices.

As much as I tend to agree with "can't do anything right ... you Thaksin supporters", I would prefer if you didn't alter my posts.

Works this time, but don't want to set a precedent.

Thanks...

Edited March 27, 2010 by anotherpeter

[ferd54]

Good China is coming. This is a chance to show that it can be a responsible member of the world community.

There is a drought in southwest China now, so that could be the reason the Mekong is low, not due to dams in China -- but with the Chinese you never know how much the truth has be "assisted."

Let' see ...

[whiterussian]