1 Background

The Lancang-Mekong countries consist of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam enjoy geographic proximity, people-to-people fraternity and cultural connectedness. In order to promote socio-economic development of our region, advance the Belt and Road Initiative through consultation and collaboration, narrow the development gap among our countries and support ASEAN Community building, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism has been jointly established by the six countries. In March 2016, the First LMC Leaders’ Meeting was held in Sanya, China with Sanya Declaration issued, which identified three cooperation pillars, namely political and security issues, economic and sustainable development, social, cultural and people-to-people exchanges and endorsed five key priority areas during initial stage of the LMC including water resources among others. It opened a new chapter for water resources cooperation among the LMC countries. In January 2018, the Five-Year Plan of Action on the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2018-2022) was endorsed at the Second LMC Leaders' Meeting in Phnom Penh, which indicated the direction of water resources cooperation under the LMC mechanism in the coming five years.

Water resources constitute critical natural resources and valuable assets on which peoples of member countries rely for existence. Sustainable development of water resources is essential to sustainable socio-economic development, ecological security and achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in our six countries. With all member countries undergoing rapid social and economic development, the industrialization and urbanization processes lead to increasing demand for water and energy. In the meantime, we are confronted with frequent occurrence of floods and droughts, aquatic ecosystem degradation, aggravating pollution and uncertainties brought about by climate change as well as lagging development of water infrastructure and insufficient capacity in water governance. These common challenges and our shared vision for future development form a strategic foundation for our collaboration in the sphere of water resources and provide the direction for practical steps forward.

Since the commencing of LMC mechanism, our six countries have been working together in a bid to bring forward concrete cooperation in the field of water resources. Major progress has been achieved as follows:

Setting-up of the Joint Working Group on Water Resources Cooperation (JWG). JWG is composed of representatives from the water administration ministries, foreign affairs ministries and other relevant agencies of member countries, and responsible for overall design of the cooperation in water resources. It conducts communication, discussion and decision-making of cooperation among LMC countries, plans and supervises the projects of water resources cooperation, and coordinates with domestic line agencies for the implementation of water resources cooperation projects. The first and second JWG meetings were held in Beijing, China in Feb 2017 and Chiang Rai, Thailand in March 2018 respectively. During JWG meetings, member countries adopted the concept paper of JWG and reached an agreement on the preparation of the Five-year Action Plan of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation as well as further enhancement of cooperation.

Establishment of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center (LMWRCC). LMWRCC was established in Beijing in June 2017. It serves as a platform for LMC countries to strengthen comprehensive cooperation in technical exchanges, capacity building, drought and flood management, data and information sharing, conducting joint research and analysis related to water resources. LMWRCC has been supporting the JWG on various activities such as technical exchanges, capacity building and cooperative projects.

Deepening of technical exchanges and cooperation. Technical exchanges have taken place around a wide range of topics among us. Consensus has been consolidated by mutual visits of high-rank delegations. Experiences and good practices have been shared and disseminated, and our capacities have been improved as well through project implementation.

Advancing of information sharing. Hydrological data during flood season and other information have been shared among us. A mechanism of data and information sharing on floods, droughts and emergency water-related situation is under consideration and discussion.

Meanwhile, it is gratifying to observe that cooperation and integration at our regional level are gaining momentum. Water resources cooperation has taken place through various mechanisms involving all or some of our six countries.

These existing mechanisms and new development have provided useful experience to the Lancang-Mekong water resources cooperation and serve as reference for the preparation of this Five-year Action Plan. This Action Plan is a guiding document for the water resources cooperation among our six countries. It aims at clarifying the objectives and principles, focus areas and priorities, and ensuring necessary institutional arrangements, funding and intellectual support so as to sustain vitality and momentum for our water cooperation.

2 Basis of formulation

National conditions and water resources conditions as well as development strategies and plans of our six countries;

The Sanya Declaration, the Phnom Penh Declaration of the LMC Leaders' meetings;

The Five-year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2018-2022);

Decisions made by the JWG;

Water-related UN2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

3 Objectives of Cooperation

3.1 General objective

The general objective of our cooperation is to enhance sustainable economic and social development and well-being of peoples of member countries through sustainable utilization, management and conservation of water resources.

3.2 Specific objectives

Strengthen international exchange and cooperation in the field of water resources. Further intensify water policy dialogue, information exchange and technical cooperation to facilitate experience sharing and synergies through more frequent mutual visits of senior delegations and technical level from our water-related Ministries and institutions, expanded partnership network and joint development of LMWRCC;

Enhance water governance capacity. Work together to address water resources issues and challenges, particularly floods and droughts, with a view of sustainable water resources development, through implementing IWRM, technical guidelines and standards, developing relevant science and technologies, and enhancing institutional capacity building.

Promote the water infrastructure. Enhance water-related production capacity cooperation for building and modernizing water facilities, and encourage more active involvement of enterprises to boost water-related infrastructure so as to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development;

Advance water conservancy for the people’s benefits. Strengthen public participation and information sharing, encourage cooperation with stakeholders, raise awareness of public and stakeholders on our water challenges and cooperation, focus on water-related livelihood and development issues of public concern so as to bring benefits to our peoples, especially vulnerable groups.

4 Principles of Cooperation

Consensus, equality, mutual consultation and coordination, voluntarism, common contribution and shared benefits: adhere to the LMC theme of "shared river, shared future", strengthen mutual benefits, through consultation with one another to ensure a balance of interests and responsibilities of participating countries, and respect the decision-making of each LMC member country on its water resources management.

Integrated, coordinated development: take full consideration of the development situation and needs of member countries while drawing on the experience and lessons in the region and rest of the world, refer to the water-related UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), balance between the water resources development and protection, facilitate green, balanced and sustainable development in the region.

Government guidance and multi-stakeholder participation: strengthen inter-government water policy dialogues, release relevant policy papers, improve mechanisms on water resources cooperation, jointly prepare water resources development plans and programs, emphasize stakeholder’s participation, promote South-South cooperation in water resources sector, and develop synergy with existing sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.

5 Areas of Cooperation

It is agreed that during year 2018-2022, Lancang-Mekong water resources cooperation will be conducted in the following areas:

5.1 Water resources and green development

Six member countries will devote to the harmony between human and water, advance efficient use and protection of water resources, facilitate balanced development between water utilization and ecological protection as part of green development for the benefit of water and ecological security of the member countries.

Future cooperation in this area encompasses but is not limited to the following themes: river health assessment, water and soil conservation and integrated watershed management, public education and awareness rising on water security, water resources protection.

5.2 IWRM and climate change adaptation

The six member countries face the challenges on water resources management capacity brought about by the rapid socio-economic development and climate change. Member countries will advance IWRM, improve water governance capacity, strengthen exchanges on water resources strategies and plans, and jointly analyze the impacts of climate change on water resources, so as to raise adaptation capability against climate change, especially water-related disasters including floods and droughts.

Future cooperation in this area encompasses but is not limited to the following themes: IWRM, water technical guidelines and standards, and climate change adaptation, management of water related disasters such as flood, typhoon, cyclone and drought, etc.

5.3 Water sector production capacity cooperation

Sound development of water infrastructure is essential for the improvement of water resources conditions and promotion of socio-economic development in six member countries. The member countries will cooperate on planning, survey, design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance, and post evaluation. And therefore boost management, utilization and development of water resources in an efficient and sustainable manner. The member countries support cooperation between enterprises and between government and enterprises on water infrastructure development aiming at win-win results and provision of more public goods and better water services to the peoples of the member countries.

Future cooperation in this area encompasses but is not limited to the following themes: water resources planning, demand analysis and policy study on water sector production capacity cooperation, study of technologies and standards related to water sector production capacity cooperation, development of water facilities such as hydropower projects, reservoirs, irrigation schemes, industrial wastewater treatment, flood control projects, river embankments, water supply projects, technologies dissemination.

5.4 Rural areas, water conservancy and livelihood improvement

The rural areas of six member countries have difficulties to different extent in accessing safe and clean drinking water and face shortage of reliable irrigation facilities. The agricultural water use efficiency is relatively low and food security issues are becoming more apparent. Six member countries will develop, operate and maintain water supply and irrigation projects based on local conditions in an effective way, so as to improve the livelihood for rural residents.

Future cooperation in this area encompasses but is not limited to the following themes: access to safe drinking water in rural areas, planning, design and water-saving rehabilitation of irrigation schemes.

5.5 Sustainable hydropower development and energy security

Hydropower is one of the main sources of clean and renewable energy in the LMC countries. Sustainable hydropower development contributes to employment and poverty reduction. Six member countries will work together to explore the development of hydropower in a socially equitable and environmentally friendly manner so as to contribute to energy security of the region.

Future cooperation in this area encompasses but is not limited to the following themes: sustainability assessment of hydropower development, operation of hydropower projects for disaster management, green hydropower development, dam safety, and water-food-energy nexus.

5.6 Transboundary river cooperation and information sharing

Transboundary rivers are natural bond among the member countries. Six member countries will strengthen transboundary river cooperation and promote information sharing including hydrological data and relevant development information, with a view of jointly addressing water-related challenges encountered by six member countries under the changing climate.

Future cooperation in this area encompasses but is not limited to the following themes: water resources cooperation among the member countries, sharing information in the emergency case of flood and drought in Lancang-Mekong River, knowledge sharing on management of transboundary rivers, transboundary impacts assessment.

5.7 Coordination with other areas

Water resources cooperation, is closely linked with relevant areas mentioned in the Five-year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2018-2022), such as agriculture, forestry, water-related tourism, water environment protection, sanitation and health, poverty reduction etc. The six member countries will actively explore opportunities of coordination and synergies with these relevant areas.

6 Modalities of cooperation

6.1 Policy dialogues

The six member countries will carry out inter-governmental policy dialogues through exchange of high-rank delegations, workshops, forums and other meetings. Meanwhile, the six member countries will facilitate the involvement of other water-related ministries and local governments in the policy dialogues.

6.2 Joint studies

The six member countries encourage various forms of joint studies by relevant institutes, universities and colleges, think tanks, civil society organizations (CSOs) in the six countries, including information sharing, planning, investigation, research & development (R&D).

6.3 Capacity Building

The six member countries will advance capacity building through improvement in institution and mechanisms, development of science and innovative technology, knowledge sharing, education and training, joint studies and public participation.

6.4 Joint Projects

The six member countries encourage two or more member countries to come up with joint projects which are conducive to enhancing mutual benefits in the region and producing significant social, economic and environmental benefits, with demonstrative effect generated.

In the early phase of this Five-year Action Plan, the joint projects to be implemented with priority mainly include the "early harvest" projects endorsed at the First LMC Leaders' Meeting, the projects proposed by the Chinese side at the Second LMC FMs' Meeting, second batch of projects endorsed at the Second LMC Leaders' Meeting, and those projects sponsored by the LMC Special Fund (A list of projects is attached to this Action Plan). JWG will review proposals of other projects and update the attached list of projects from time to time.

7 Organization and Implementation

7.1 Institutional arrangements

The Five-year Action Plan will be reviewed and endorsed by JWG on water resources and then will be submitted to relevant authorities of each LMC country for final approval.

Governments of the LMC countries will provide guidance and support for the implementation of this Five-year Action Plan. National focal agencies/ministries for JWG in the six member countries are the main implementation agencies of this Action Plan. If necessary, ministerial level meeting will be held on a regular or special basis for making decisions on strategic issues related to this Five-year Action Plan to reach consensus.

JWG is responsible for conducting communication, consultation, decision-making of cooperation with respect to the implementation of this Action Plan, planning and supervising related cooperation projects and activities, and coordinating with line agencies for the implementation of this Action Plan.

The six member countries require the active roles of LMWRCC as a platform for water resources cooperation and its support to the implementation of this Action Plan.

Each member country is encouraged to lead or co-lead one or two cooperation areas under this Action Plan. Lead or co-leads will list and prioritize challenges, based on the close linkage with relevant national strategies and plans, summarize and analyze ongoing efforts to address these challenges (including good practices, lessons learned, innovations, etc), identify what still needs to be done to address these challenges, then turn those needs into project proposals for the review by JWG.

7.2 Implementation Arrangements

Team building for cooperation. The JWG of the six member countries will work actively to provide continuous guidance and coordination on the implementation of this Five-year Action Plan. The six member countries will also establish special task forces, as necessary, to ensure smooth, effective and efficient execution of this Action Plan.

Preparation of annual work plans. In order to better implement this Five-year Action Plan, each member country will prepare its own proposals including priorities, activities, projects and their schedules for the following year by the end of December, and then provide them to LMWRCC for consolidation. JWG will, at its annual meeting, review, endorse and consolidate the proposals into an annual work plan.

Monitoring and Evaluation. By the end of January, each member country will complete the evaluation and progress reporting on the implementation of this Action Plan for the previous year. JWG will, at its annual meeting, review the progress reports of each country and have these progress reports consolidated into a summary progress report on the implementation of this Action Plan.

Strengthening public participation and stakeholders involvement. The six member countries attach great importance to public participation and stakeholders involvement in LMC water resources cooperation. The six member countries agree and support LMWRCC to establish a dedicated website for raising public awareness. In addition, the six member countries will encourage youth, students, public and local communities to participate in water-related cooperation activities.

Experts input. The six member countries will engage senior experts and scholars in relevant areas to provide technical, knowledge and intellectual support for the implementation of this Five-year Action Plan. The six member countries will establish and develop a network of advisory groups.

7.3 Funding

Major funding sources to support the implementation of this Five-year Action plan include but are not limited to:

l Governmental funding from each member country;

l Funding support from other national and regional organizations;

l Funding support from international partners and other countries;

l Funding support from business partners.

The six member countries will actively apply for government funding and mobilize resources of businesses to carry out projects and activities under this Five-year Action Plan. Besides, the six member countries will seek co-financing of the International Financial Institutions/Facilities such as World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Global Environment Facility (GEF).

7.4 Partner Institutions

The six member countries will build a broad and effective network of partners to join hands in achieving the objectives of this Five-year Action Plan.

These institutions include but are not limited to: Water-related organizations, enterprises and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the six member countries; regional and international organizations, such as World Water Council, Mekong River Commission (MRC), etc. LMWRCC will, in consultation with the six member countries, recommend a list of these potential partner institutions to the JWG.

7.5 Evaluation and Reporting

JWG will at its annual meeting, review the progress report of the previous year on the implementation of this Five-year Action Plan and then submit the revised progress report to the government of respective member country. JWG will release evaluation information to the public as appropriate.