Sustainable development and human well-being are intricately linked to, and dependent on, the Greater Mekong's remarkable natural support system. If this natural support system is disrupted, the impact on people's livelihoods could be dramatic.
Despite its impressive GDP growth, many in the Greater Mekong subregion remain relatively poor, with poverty levels ranging from 2% in Thailand to 44% in Laos.
The double-edged sword of fast development
There is no question that the abundant natural resources of the Greater Mekong Subregion have provided important revenue streams and contributed to the economic development of the region.Water resources support productive fisheries and have been harnessed for hydropower energy production.
Productive soils and a favorable climate have contributed to impressive agricultural yields.
The extraction of mineral resources has benefitted mineral-based industries and forests have provided timber and a range of other products such as fibers, wild foods and medicines.
However, these resources are often exploited in an unsustainable way, which has led to significant losses in overall natural capital. Additionally, economic benefits derived from these resources are rarely distributed equitably—leading to a short-term windfall for some while the broad benefits of these rich resources are not effectively realized.
Some of the key drivers that impact natural capital are outlined below.
© Claude Barutel
Hydropower & infrastructure development
© WWF
However, the realization of this promise, like all life in the Mekong River basin, is inextricably linked to the continued health of the region’s river systems and its fisheries.
Thus, it is imperative that infrastructure be designed and sited so that it is an integral part of an overall development plan that maintains the natural capital and productivity of the region’s interconnected ecological systems, especially the river.
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"The risks to livelihoods and food security posed by these 12 hydropower projects would also be very high. More than 100,000 people would need to be resettled, and a further 2.1 million would be at high risk of indirect, negative
impacts, such as diminished river-bank agricultural and fishing opportunities.
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Barlow et al. 2008
CLIMATE CHANGE
© WWF
For the Greater Mekong, climate change compounds existing and projected threats affecting the region’s people, biodiversity and natural resources. This is likely to have cascading effects.
For example, water scarcity is likely to lead to reduced agricultural productivity, which in turn is likely to lead to food scarcity, unemployment and poverty. If not carefully conceived with sufficient geographic scope, human responses intended to reduce vulnerability may have unintended negative consequences resulting in increased vulnerability.
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DEFORESTATION & DEGRADATION
© WWF
Loss of forest habitat and biodiversity weakens the region's ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This puts at risk communities and multi-million dollar investments, which become more vulnerable to extreme climate events.
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"The overall forest area of the Greater Mekong subregion contracted by 8.5 million ha between 1990 and 2005."
FAO, 2010
WILDLIFE TRADE
© WWF
These illegal activities not only cause the loss of some of the world’s most precious species, but can also fundamentally alter the ecosystems that support both biodiversity and human communities.
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"Demand in Viet Nam, a Southeast Asian nation of nearly 87 million people and the world’s 13th largest nation, is believed to be driving the rapacious illegal trade in rhino horn today.
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TRAFFIC, 2012