ASEAN integrated river management project launched

The project aims to develop practical and innovative ways for communities, industries and governments to work together to revitalize Southeast Asia's rivers.

Supported by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the project will establish functional IRBM mechanisms in the major river basins of six ASEAN Member States–Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam.

Water use among ASEAN countries is growing rapidly, while water quality and quantity challenges threaten to derail much-needed economic growth, said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative to the Philippines.

"We're glad to help address the critical issue of freshwater governance in river basins beyond national jurisdictions, addressing transboundary issues such as pollution, watershed management, climate change impacts and disaster risks", he added.

Many of the region's largest cities were built beside rivers including Viet Nam's Ho Chi Minh City. These rivers provide natural habitats for various plants and animals, food production and water sources for millions of people./.