Economic and social aspects of Lower Mekong development : a report to the Committee for Co-ordination of Investigations of the Lower Mekong Basin.

Abstract

The Lower Mekong now is in a unique position among rivers of the world. It is the one major international stream in which the riparian countries have joined together with United Nations assistance to prepare and carry out a development program without prior large-scale construction and without conflict over water rights. Its human needs are great and growing. Its opportunities to satisfy many of those needs in the course of managing the river waters are magnificent. Technical studies are sufficiently advanced so that some of the broad limits and outlines of a river development program are taking shape. Whether or not the specific projects will assure that optimum returns may be obtained from investment of funds and personnel will depend in large measure upon the skill that is shown in designing and carrying out projects so as to achieve desired impacts and in choosing and timing projects in relation to other components of the basin system and of national development plans.