First Training of Trainers on Transboundary Hydropower Development in the Mekong region

adelphi joined forces with the GIZ and the Oregon State University to introduce a new training-of-trainers session focusing on Transboundary Hydropower Development – the first of its kind in the Mekong region - held in Bangkok from October 14th to 16th, 2013.

Hydropower schemes take on an important role in water resources development in the Lower Mekong River Basin. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) recognises the high potential of hydropower for economic growth and welfare, however, equally acknowledges potential impacts on connected ecosystems, livelihoods and the sustainable development of the basin. Risks emerging from complex large-scale hydropower development in the basin are yet difficult to assess and need intensive cooperation between riparian countries to identify most beneficial development options for all. So far, knowledge and experiences on regional cooperative mechanisms and processes for developing and managing hydropower in an integrated way is limited.

adelphi has been contracted by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the MRC to develop a training manual for trainers from local universities on “Transboundary Cooperation and Hydropower Development”. The main topics covered in the manual include: the benefits and challenges of cooperation, concrete benefit sharing mechanisms the role of river basin organisations (RBOs), guidelines and procedures for transboundary hydropower development as well as relevant negotiation and dispute resolution processes. The topics are explored from a general theoretical background towards a comparative perspective on international examples and finally focusing on the Mekong basin itself. The training builds on a modular design, with extensive use of interactive formats. It is supported by the application of a hypothetical case in combination with a river basin model game. The 3 day training workshop in Bangkok concluded in a very positive spirit and with the development of a road map for the further promotion of the training in the basin.

Documentation of the training will shortly be found here: http://www.cdri.org.kh/n…
Manual for trainers will shortly be found here: http://www.cdri.org.kh/n…