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CASE STUDIES - Coggle Diagram
CASE STUDIES
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MEKONG RIVER CONFLICT
Background info
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Originates in China and flows 4,200km through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam
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Tensions
This has led to diplomatic tensions as countries downstream of the dams fear the negative impacts they may bring about, from greater flooding to seasonal lack of water.
The Mekong River Commission’s (MRC) effectiveness in resolving these tensions has so far been limited due to its lack of enforcement powers and China’s reluctance to join as a full member
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Dam-building in China
According to the official Chinese position, the adverse downstream effects of its hydro-power projects are negligible, given that only a small percentage of the Mekong’s total flow originates in China.
To the contrary, it is argued, the construction of large dams on the Upper Mekong will benefit downstream users in terms of hydro-electricity generation and flood control, and efforts are being made to protect the river’s ecosystems and fisheries
Fears frequently expressed downstream revolve around water shortages, flow alterations, sediment trapping, habitat destruction, and devastation of important agricultural areas and fisheries resulting from Chinese damming of the Upper Mekong
Climate problems
The Mekong delta in southern Vietnam is particularly threatened by climate change, with expected impacts including a rise in average temperatures, more severe storms, wetter wet seasons, and drier dry seasons
Climate-related increases in weeds and pests, as well as salt water intrusion into agricultural areas due to sea level rise, could hamper rice production in the delta, thereby threatening local livelihoods dependent on farming
Conflict resolution
The MRC has achieved results in terms of research and conducting technical studies. However it has very limited actual decision-making powers and therefore has not gone far in conflict resolution.
As China is not part of the MRC it is not compelled to disclose information and guarantee that its damming projects will not adversely affect downstream countries.
If China were to join, it would help its international reputation as a collaborator. China's selective release of information is increasing suspicion amongst the MRC and its personal allies.
MURRAY - DARLING BASIN
Background
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This is due to variations in Australia's climate and biome distribution, the rainfall within the basin varies hugely.
When combined with ENSO cycles, it becomes more unreliable
Key players
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environmental, heritage and conservation groups
The Basin Plan
Aims/What is it?
the plan determines the amount of water that can be extracted or taken annually from the Basin for consumptive use
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limitations
environmental problems such as salinity, algae breakouts, loss of native animals and loss of vegitation
unlikely to be sufficient to achieve long-term outcomes unless further implementation and other actions are fast-tracked
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